On Wednesday July 31, 2013, Willis passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, MT as the result of a heart attack.
Willis Mavis was born in Fergus Falls, Minnesota on March 11, 1928. He was the sixth child born to Emil and Rose (Schleske) Mavis.
Willis was a resident of Friberg Township, graduating from Fergus Falls high school in 1946. He married Isabelle A. (Senn) Oct 1st 1950.
Willis joined the Air Force in 1952 where he was trained as an air traffic controller. In 1956 he left the Air Force and joined the Federal Aviation Administration. His career brought him to Montana where he worked as an air traffic controller in both Great Falls and Billings before becoming the manager of the Helena tower in 1974. He retired from federal service in 1985.
Will was a member of Our Redeemers Lutheran Church for thirty nine years. He was a member of both the Quiet Birdman (QB) and Montana Pilots Association. As a private pilot and an active part of the local aviation community, he assisted in the development and presentation of flight safety, search and rescue, and survival seminars. He was also an active member of the local Elks Lodge and a member of the Gates of the Mountains Boat Club.
Will was always an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a great love of the outdoors and enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at his cabin at Holter Lake. He especially enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to fish and waterski.
Willis was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings; Doris, Evelyn, Wesley and Mike.
Surviving is his wife, Isabelle, of Clancy, son, John, (Susan), and grandchildren Brianne, Mackenzie and Tanner of Littleton, CO. Other survivors include his sister, Loretta Stiyer of Fergus Falls, MN and bothers Lloyd, (Olga), of Minneapolis, MN and Duane, (Mary Jane) of rural Erhard, MN, and several nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave, with a reception to follow the service at the church. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Willis.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 10, 2013
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the Service
Saturday August 10, 2013
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Don and Donna Paul says
We can’t convey how overwhelmed we are at hearing of Will’s passing. We will cherish the memories of all the visits we’ve had over the past 35 years, as neighbors and friends. We always enjoyed his sense of humor and will remember him as a most gracious man. Don enjoyed flying with him and we both enjoyed going to the cabin for R & R although he managed to find jobs for Don. May peace be with you and your family as we remember what a wonderful person walked amongst us.
Gary & Brenda Medvec says
We would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Mavis family. For the past 33 years, Will has been like a second father to me. Some of my fondest memories, were when he would take me flying and spending time with him and his family at the cabin. We appreciate his kindness in allowing us to stay there for our honeymoon 24 years ago, and again this summer for vacation. He was a hard-working and intelligent man, with a heart as big as Montana and will be missed.
Deana Brooks says
John, I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of your Dad’s passing. I’m sure he was a wonderful man, and you and your family will miss him greatly. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time of sadness and sorrow.
Rod & Pearl Aho says
John, Pearl and I would like to express our sympathy to you and your family.
You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Diane Beck says
John and Family, you have my deepest sympathy in the death of your beloved Father. He is now flying with the Angels. My thoughts and prayers are with you!
Frank Phillips says
John,
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember many years ago when my Dad passed while stationed overseas. The really great news at the time was that my brother put him “on Ice” to ensure I could say goodby. I must share with you that was a sad day to be sure but was clearly uplifting as well because my brother Lester, myself and Dad had one of the most important visits we could have possibly have shared. Lot’s of tears to be sure but the take away still lives on.
May Heavenly Father continue to bless your family.
Orlin Fick says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Willis. He was a cousin of mine and I remember getting together with Willis and his brothers when our family visited the Mavis family at their farm near Fergus. God be with all of you in the days and months ahead.
John and Kathy Schaefer says
Dear Isabelle and Mavis Family,
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Will has been such a wonderful neighbor and worked so hard to keep things up and going in Blue Sky Heights. We will miss his smile and wave as we drove by. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wanda Knight says
John Mavis,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family during your time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Karen Crowley Midtlyng says
Mrs. Mavis and John–I was saddened to hear of the passing of your husband and father…I had just seen you, Mrs. M and Mr. M at the Symphony under the stars a few weeks ago. I have such fond memories of Willis and all of the Mavis family……wonderful times…..he was such a class act! I remember his water skiing skills—especially one foot on the ski and the other in the rope with his hands laced behind his head…what a showboat! and adventures in the plane……….he was such a great man and I am very happy to have known him…..John, I know that this is a great loss for you and your family…..you are all in my prayers.
Othelia A. Schulz says
Good Morning Isablle,
So sorry to hear of your husbands death, I didn;t know him but I know you so he must have been a great man. And I know what you are going through , I went through it just 7 years ago and Iknow how you will miss him.
May God Bless you in all the changes you will go through Much Love Othelia.
Neighbors Joe, Lorraine and daughters says
We just learned of Will’s passing today and we are so very sorry for your loss! Isabelle, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Jan Morse says
Isabelle
I’m so sorry to hear of Wills passing. I have fond memories as a child of our camping trips to Holland and Seeley lakes. We lost mom last June and I miss her every day. But the cherished memories help ease the pain. My thoughts are with you and John.
Jan Morse (Phil & Dee Bailey’s daughter)
Helen Gough Dixon says
I have thought of you so much and just went to this site today. ( 11-18-2014 ) so very sorry to read about Willis, such a kind man and a great family man. I know you’ll miss him. Keeping the rest of the family in my thoughts. Love, Helen ( Gough ) Dixon Grants Pass, Oregon