Avis Marilyn Papke was born on April 15, 1936, in Stuart, NE, at a private residence, the youngest child of Katherine Kierstead Papke and Thomas Papke. They lived on a ranch along the Niobrara River where Avis was a self-proclaimed tomboy who rode her horse Dolly Dimples and helped with all the chores. Her father died when Avis was eleven years old. Avis and her mother then moved to Stuart, Nebraska.

Avis married Harold Eugene Johnson on December 17, 1951 and this union was blessed with five children. Tragically, Harold was killed in a farm accident on July 27, 1964.

Avis was a widow with four young children living on a farm near Burke when she met Luther Wilhelmsen, who had just returned from Army duty in Korea. They met at a VFW dance when Avis threw her shoes at Luther. They fell in love and were married on April 2, 1966. Avis and Luther shared nearly 58 happy years together.

As one beloved nephew said, "Aunt Avis was a fireball." Avis promised her mother when she married at age 15 that she would finish high school eventually and she kept that promise. Avis went back to high school in Burke and graduated with the class of 1966.  Avis then began a long career with the post office, starting as a rural carrier, and retiring as the Postmaster of Burke in 2000.

Avis and Luther enjoyed two decades of being snow birds at their comfortable home in Yuma, AZ. They made many wonderful friends at the Country Roads resort.  Avis and Luther also had a cabin on the Missouri River and enjoyed many summers of boating and visiting.

Avis had a green thumb and could grow anything. She always had a huge garden full of vegetables to preserve and gorgeous cannas that she faithfully dug up and stored each fall.

Avis was a devoted member of the Burke community for over 60 years.  Avis had served on the school board, she was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, and she was a loyal member of the VFW Auxiliary, serving in different officer positions and serving many meals.

Avis is survived by her granddaughter, Jamie Kellen and husband Joe of Burke. They, along with their two daughters, Emma and Paige, have been

a great joy for Avis and Luther as they live so close in Burke and helped all the time. Avis is also survived by her son, Russell Johnson, his wife Joni, daughter-in-law Marsha Johnson, son Walter Johnson, and daughter Sherri Vosika and her husband John.

Grandchildren include Victoria Hinek, Vance Johnson, Ashley Green, Tyler Johnson, Jamie Kellen, Melvin Vosika, Jessie McIlvenna, Kristin Marias, and Tucker Johnson.  Great grandchildren are Max Hinek, Paxton Johnson, Peyton Johnson, Felix Green, Dexter Green, Emma Kellen, Paige Kellen, Hunter Vosika, Jace Vosika, Alex Vosika, Kinsley Vosika, Andi Johnson, Abbi Maloney, and Faith Marias.

Avis was preceded in death by her parents, five siblings, infant daughter Merri, first husband Harold Johnson, son Rodney L Johnson, and grandson Spencer Johnson. Avis will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services for Avis Wilhelmsen, age 87, of Burke, South Dakota will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Burke, SD.  Burial will be at a later date.  Visitation will be Friday from 4:30 pm until 5:30 pm, with a prayer service at 5:30 pm at the church.