Avis Ekness

Click on the link below to view the memorial service:

https://youtu.be/fwbm2vflw18

Avis Ekness, 87, died July 3, 2022. She had family at her bedside and her death was peaceful. Formerly of rural Grand Forks, she had been a resident of NDHC’s nursing home in Northwood since 2020.

Avis Aune was born in her Grandpa and Grandma Aune’s farmhouse near Bagley, MN on May 27, 1935 to parents, Oscar and Viola (Clymer) Aune.

The family moved several times during her childhood and settled in Washington’s Puget Sound region in 1942.  She lived there until moving to Grand Forks in 1964.  She married Carmein “Cub” Ekness on June 9, 1965 at Evanger Lutheran Church in Brenna Township. “Cub” died in 1998.

Avis loved life and had a wide range of interests.  She actively served the church and community for many years.  At the time of her death, she was still serving as Evanger Cemetery Association’s Treasurer with her son, Wendell, assisting in the performance of her duties.

She had the natural ability to make anyone feel at home and will be remembered by family and friends for her warm hospitality, infectious laugh and beautiful smile.

Avis was preceded in death by her husband, “Cub” Ekness;  brothers, Roger and Curtis Aune; sister, Yvonne Aune;  a niece, Joan Kitzmiller and nephew, Rick Lohroff.  She is survived by her children, Sean (Noel) Wyeth, Alburtis, PA,  Donna (Michael) Hunter, Bremerton, WA, Deb (Scott) Johnson, Horace, ND, Wendell Ekness, Grand Forks, Ramona (Jason) Baker, Grand Forks; 7 grandchildren;  5 great grandchildren;  a brother, Gary (Patricia) Aune, Pahrump, NV;  and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

A memorial service for Avis will be held in Evanger Lutheran Church, rural Grand Forks, on Wednesday, September 14, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.  Burial of her cremains will take place in the Evanger Cemetery following the service.  Memorials are suggested to the Evanger Lutheran Cemetery Association or a charity of your choice.