Avis Marlene (Wermager) Kjos, age 94, died peacefully on September 18, 2026, at BeeHive Homes in Moorhead, MN.

Avis Marlene Kjos was born July 17, 1932, in Froid, Montana, the daughter of Harry and Hannah (Berge) Wermager. Avis, her parents, and her brothers lived in several places during her childhood before settling on a farm west of Mahnomen. Avis was confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen in 1946. That same year, the family moved to Waubun, where she graduated from Waubun High School in 1950.

Following high school, Avis moved to Fargo, ND, where she worked for a year as a telephone operator with Northwestern Bell. She met Harold Kjos at a dance in Waubun and the two were married in 1952. They made their home on the Kjos family farm, located eight miles southwest of Mahnomen where they raised their three sons. Avis and Harold remained on the farm for 52 years before selling it in 2004 and moving to an apartment in Mahnomen. They also enjoyed spending winters in McAllen, TX. Harold passed away in 2009 at the age of 80.

Avis learned the importance of serving others at an early age and remained active in her church and community throughout her life. She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, where she was confirmed and married. As a member of the First Lutheran Quilters, Avis helped make quilts for many years. Following in her mother's footsteps as a volunteer, Avis generously gave her time to many organizations and causes. In recognition of her years of service, she received the Golden Deeds Award in 2013.

Avis was a longtime member of the MHC Hospital Auxiliary and helped with its annual fundraising calendar by gathering business advertisements, birthdays, and anniversaries from community members. For more than 20 years, she also provided hair-care services to nursing home residents. She belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary and Mahnomen County Historical Society, volunteering at the museum, was a charter member of the Red Hat Society, and served as the Mahnomen area coordinator for the Pine to Prairie Christian Women's Club in McIntosh, MN. Avis also enjoyed being part of the Young at Heart Senior Citizen Group. In her free time, she was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing golf and gardening.

Avis is survived by her three sons: Gregory (Kathy), Garry (Gail), and James; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her in-laws; and her brothers, Everette, Wallace “Wally”, Gene “Pete”, and Orvis.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 25, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen. A time of gathering will start one hour before the funeral. Burial will take place at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Mahnomen. A recording of the funeral service will be available following services on Friday.