Avis Lowe

Avis Lowe, McHenry, N.D., born Avis Pauline Anderson the daughter of Arthur M. Anderson and Palma Dybwad Anderson at Cooperstown, N.D. on September 15, 1928 died July 7, 2010. She was baptized into the Lutheran Faith at Glenfield, N.D.

Avis graduated from Sutton High School and attended the University of North Dakota at Grand Forks. She spent one year as a school teacher in Revere, N.D. before marrying Richard F. Lowe of McHenry on Oct. 10, 1948 at Mable Lutheran in Sutton, N.D., after which they purchased a farm, where Avis resided until her death. Richard died on July 16, 1984. She was proud to be a farmer, and knowledgeable about, and engaged in agricultural activities.

Avis was active at the local, county, and state level in many areas, with her priorities including human services, education, the Democratic Party, and the Lutheran Church. She was an active participant and an office holder within the McHenry Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Tri County ministry, the church-wide mission partnership and the Eastern N.D. Synod of the ELCA. She served at the county, regional and state level on Social Service boards, including the Region 6 Boards of Community Action and Mental Health Association.

At the time of her death she was in her second term on the Ramsey County Rural Water Board. Avis was also the clerk for McHenry Township. She was a charter member of the McHenry Senior Citizens and representative to their county board. As a participant with the Foster County Council for the Aged, she advocated for improved health care services for the rural population. Avis was the driving force behind the preservation and enhancement of McHenry's unique Railroad Loop and its museum. Avis was always active in the American Legion Auxiliary, holding various offices.

Avis had served on the ND State Capital Grounds committee and was a State Hearing Officer for special education. She also served as chairperson for a five county special education district and the 4th Corp. Human Service Board.

Avis often said that her greatest accomplishment and joy was her family. Avis leaves to mourn, four sons and a daughter: Richard (Darby) Lowe, Stillwater, MN; Anthony (Birdie) Lowe, Edina, MN; Daniel (Penny) Lowe, Alburnette, Iowa; Donald (MaryAnn) Lowe, Sherman, CT; and Paula (Val) Dietz, Ottertail Lake, MN; and six grandchildren. In addition, she leaves one brother, Armand Anderson, Billings, MT; and one sister, Myrna Camp, White Bear Lake, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard, and her youngest brother, Lorris Anderson. Avis’ optimism and joy will be greatly missed by her community of friends and family.

The visitation will be held at the Cooperstown Funeral Chapel, Cooperstown, ND, on Monday, July 12, 2010 beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, McHenry, ND, on Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Marli Danielson. Special music will be provided by Myrnell Brusegaard and Barry Wegener. Interment will be in the Bethlehem Cemetery at McHenry. The casketbearers will be Jim Stage, LuVerne Hoyt, John Brandt, Marlin “Pete” Erickson, Alfred Frappier, Jerry Tufte, and Melvin Midgley. The honorary bearers will be Lynne Anderson, Gary Anderson, Gaylon Anderson, and Arleene Allen. An honor guard will be accorded by the Carl Bostrom American Legion Post # 160 Ladies Auxiliary Unit of McHenry. Memorials can be directed to Our Savior's Lutheran Church or the McHenry Railroad Loop Association.