Mavis Ann Kussatz

MAVIS ANN KUSSATZ May 5, 1945 – June 2, 2017                   Mavis Ann Kussatz, age 72 of Menahga, MN, peacefully passed from this life into eternal life on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN after a valiant battle against cancer, with her husband, Gordon at her side.                 Mavis was born on May 5, 1945 in Menahga to Evert and Saima (Kangas) Maaninga.  She grew up on the family farm and attended the District 43 Country School in Shell River Township through the eighth grade before going on to attend high school in Menahga from where she graduated with the Class of 1963.  As a young woman, Mavis gained employment at the Ringer Manufacturing Company in Park Rapids where she worked as a seamstress.  On December 16, 1967, Mavis was united in marriage to Gordon A. Kussatz in Menahga.  This union was blessed with three children: Luann, Sandra and Keith.  Mavis and Gordon made their home on the Iron Range where her husband worked in the taconite mines.  Mavis devoted herself to making a happy and loving home for her husband and children.  She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered for her delicious home cooking.  Mavis was a woman of faith who was a long time member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Aurora, MN.  In 2001, Mavis and Gordon retired back to the Menahga area where they have resided right up to the present time.  Here Mavis was a faithful and involved member of the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Menahga.  Above all, she looked forward to spending time with her family who she loved with all her heart.                 She will be remembered by her loving husband, Gordon who has fulfilled her life for these past 49 years of marriage; her two daughters: Luann (Robert) Johnson of Mountain Iron, MN and Sandra Kussatz (John Saari) of Keewatin(Aurora), MN; and her son, Keith Kussatz of Chisholm, MN; her five dearly loved grandchildren: Alexander Saari of Bloomington, MN, Melissa Johnson of Duluth, MN, Aaron Johnson of Mountain Iron, MN, Christiana Saari of Virginia, MN and Morgan Janke of Chisholm, MN; two great granddaughters: Aubree Entner of Virginia and Aurora Seglem of Duluth, MN; seven siblings: Arlene Seikkula of Menahga, Ellen Ruona of Menahga, MN, Harlin (Judy) Maaninga of Menahga, Carolyn (Robert) Condon of Butte, MT, Alice Kako of Menahga. Jeanie Tomperi of Menahga and Verdie Maaninga of Park Rapids, MN; a brother-in-law, Harold Gustafson of Butte, MT as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.                 Mavis was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Luella Gustafson of Butte, MT.                 Funeral services will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the Redeemer Lutheran Church in Menahga with the Reverend Ed Behling officiating. The casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Alexander Saari, Melissa Johnson, Aaron Johnson, Christiana Saari and Morgan Janke.  The honorary casket bearers will be her great granddaughters: Aubree Entner and Aurora Seglem.  Interment will be made in the Jim Cook Cemetery of rural Menahga.  Following the service the church family will host a luncheon for all.  To view the video tribute or to leave online condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com