Mavis Kampen

Mavis Kampen of Dawson died on Thursday, May 9, 2024 at Johnson Memorial Care Center at the age of 92.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on  Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at Johnson Memorial Care Center Chapel.  Burial will be in Dawson Cemetery.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the Care Center.

Mavis Arlene Kampen was born to George and Fannie (Pals) Kampen on March 16, 1932. She was born on their rural farm by Twin Brooks, SD (10 miles from Milbank). Growing up, her nickname was Arlene. Mavis was baptized and confirmed at the Presbyterian Church of Twin Brooks, SD.

While on the farm, Mavis helped raise gladiolas of many different colors. She would bring them to church to help beautify the church. The family raised chickens and her job was to pick the eggs. She didn’t like being pecked by the chickens. Mavis attended country school in Kilborn Township where her dad would usually bring her in a Ford car.

Mavis and her mother, Fannie, moved to Milbank, SD where she cleaned houses and was caregiver to her mom. When Mavis and Fannie moved to Dawson, Mavis worked at different restaurants where she cleaned the dishes and was a waitress. She enjoyed washing dishes more. Also, in Dawson, she would gather with her other sisters and make quilts. They gave almost all their quilts away. The last quilt she made was a Yo-Yo Quilt where they made 2,132 little yo-yos! Mavis also enjoyed embroidering and made many dish towels and pillowcases. Of course, she once again would give them away.

In March of 1999, Mavis moved into Johnson Memorial Care Center in Dawson. In November of 2000, she moved to Circle B Elder Care in Madison. In June of 2010, Mavis broke her ankle and she moved back to the Care Center in Dawson.

While at the Care Center, she was active with folding towels, peeling potatoes and vegetables, baking, and making crafts. Mavis also sang in the Care Center choir.

Mavis is survived by numerous nephews, nieces and their families.

Preceding her in death were her parents, George and Fannie; 3 sisters and 3 brothers-in-law, Lois (Hobert) Abels, Vera (Harm) Abels, and Viola (George) Koenen.