Avis Wenger, 94, formerly of Elgin, Iowa passed away Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Centerville Specialty Care in Centerville, Iowa, surrounded by family. Avis was born December 7, 1929, to Henry and Rosella (Larson) Mork in Elgin, Iowa, and was baptized at Marion Lutheran Church on February 16, 1930. She graduated from Elgin High School in 1947. Avis attended Luther College where she received her teaching degree in 1949.
Avis was united in marriage to Russell Wenger on December 29, 1951, at Washington Prairie Lutheran Church in Decorah, Iowa. To this union of 63 years, three children were born, Steven, Craig and Paul.
Avis touched many children’s, lives teaching in Postville and subbing at Valley, and neighboring districts well into her seventies. She was a stay-at-home mom who lovingly raised three sons. Later in life she served as a bank teller in Elgin. Avis enjoyed gardening, golfing, boating on the Mississippi River, bowling in couple’s and women’s leagues in Elkader, Postville and West Union. She enjoyed taking trips, whether it was a fishing trip with friends or trips with Russ to Alaska, Europe, family vacations to Minnesota, the Grand Canyon and the Seattle World’s Fair. Avis was a member of the Elkader Golf and Country Club. She was a member of the Marion Lutheran Church from 1929 until 1947, where she was confirmed in 1944. Russ and Avis became charter members of Elgin Lutheran Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and being an active member. She maintained her membership until her passing.
Avis took pride in supporting and attending her children and grandchildren’s activities throughout their lives. She was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching the Iowa Hawkeyes and golf on TV.
Avis is survived by three children, Steven (Mimi) Wenger of Columbia, Missouri, Craig (Laurie) Wenger of Hiawatha, Iowa and Paul (Carol) Wenger of Moravia, Iowa. Eight grandchildren; Drew Parker, Hunter Wenger, Christian (Stephanie), Megan, Erik (Riley) and Jon Wenger, Tanner (Cailee) Wenger and Paige (Kevin) Trobaugh. Five great-grandchildren; Hayden, Maverick, Kelton, Hazel, and Blakely. One brother, Dorlan (Phyllis) Mork, three sisters, Randeen Ellefson, Kaaren (Galen) Stucky, LeaRae Reese and numerous nieces and nephews.
Avis was preceded in death by her husband Russell Wenger, parents, Henry and Rosella Mork.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Avis’s honor to Elgin Lutheran Church or the Avis Wenger Memorial Fund.
Pallbearers to honor Avis will be: Hunter Wenger, Tanner Wenger, Christian Wenger, Ryan Reese, Jeff Cline, and Steven Wenger.
Honorary Pallbearers will be: Allison Reese, Drew Parker, Paige Trobaugh, Megan Wenger, Erik Wenger and Jon Wenger.
Visitation will be Friday, December 15, 2023 from 4-6 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elgin, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa. Reverend Adam Starrett will be the officiant.
Interment will be held at the Elgin Cemetery, Elgin, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.