Mavis Sprague

Mavis Jean Sprague, 83, of Crookston, MN, died Sunday afternoon, November 30, 2014, at RiverView Health in Crookston with her family at her side. She had been experiencing ill health for many months. Mavis was born in Crookston on July 20, 1931, the daughter of Emil and Gunna (Frandsen) Paulsen. She was baptized and later confirmed at the Trinity Lutheran Church, and moved with her family to Owatonna, MN at the age of 5. The Paulsens returned to Crookston in 1940 and Mavis graduated from Central High School in 1949. She went on to attend Moorhead (MN) State Teachers College and Macalaster College in Minneapolis, earning her teacher's certificate in 1952. On December 5, 1952 Mavis was united in marriage to John Russell Sprague at Camp Stoneman, CA, where Russ was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. While he was sent overseas to Okinawa during the Korean War she taught kindergarten in Grand Forks, ND and Crookston, and established the first Park and Rec Summer Program for Crookston boys and girls. Upon Russ' return to the states he was stationed at the Duluth (MN) Air Base where Mavis joined him and taught in the Duluth school system. The family eventually settled in Crookston and became members of the Trinity Lutheran Church. Mavis once again taught kindergarten before becoming a teacher in the local Head Start Program, and a tutor at Central High School. During these years she furthered her education at Moorhead State College and Bemidji (MN) State College. At the same time, she and Russ were kept very busy raising their 4 children: Tim, Julie, Tony, and Sue. For several years Mavis was actively involved with the Crookston Girls Drum and Bugle Corps, coached a team of ten-year olds in Park and Rec hockey, was a charter member and chairman of the Board of Directors of the Crookston Hockey Boosters, today known as the Blueline Club, was a charter member and organizer of the Crookston Community Theater, active in the Crookston Civic Music League, and a Bluebirds and Cub Scout Leader. In 1970 Mavis was elected to the Crookston School Board and re-elected twice more. She served as Regional Representative to the Minnesota High School League Assembly, and at different times was District and Regional Representative to the ECSU Minnesota State Board of Directors. In 1981 Mavis became the first chairperson of the United Way Fund Drive, and from 1982-95 served as the executive director of the United Way of Crookston. Sadly, Russ passed away on September 24, 1991. In 1996 she was elected alderman for Ward 4 and served with distinction on the City Council for several years. She became the first woman to ever run for Mayor of Crookston, and though unsuccessful in her bid, was one of the women who had great influence in making Crookston a great place to live, work, and raise a family. She was named Crookston's Experienced American in August, 1999, and was presented many awards and honors from Crookston School District #593, the City of Crookston, and the many organizations that were enriched by her thoughtful and passionate leadership. Mavis enjoyed fishing and gardening throughout her life, and in later years, playing cards with friends at the Golden Link Senior Center. She maintained her lifelong interest in politics and continued to read and keep up with everything to the present time. Her smile and laugh will be missed by her family and friends, but she will remain in their hearts always. Mavis is survived by her 4 children, 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild: Tim (Ginger) Sprague of Grand Forks, ND and children, Jonathan, Kayla, and Taylor; Julie Sprague of Crookston and daughter, Alyssa (Trey) Johnston and their son, Bowen; Tony Sprague of Crookston and his children, Brady and Trevor; and Sue (Mark) Anderson and children, Casey, Christian, and Courtney; sister-in-law, Bonnie Sprague of East Grand Forks, MN; and other relatives. In addition to Russ, her beloved husband of 38 years, Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Gunna; sister, Dr. Janet Paulsen; and brothers-in-law, Richard and Joel Sprague. May God bless the memory of Mavis Jean Sprague. A memorial service and celebration of the life of Mavis Sprague will be held at 10:00am, Saturday, December 6, 2014, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston with The Rev. Jo Gast, officiating. Visitation with the family will be for one hour prior to the funeral.

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Funeral Home: Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home 615 South Minnesota Street Crookston, MN US 56716

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Visitation
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Service
Saturday, December 6, 2014