Avis Birkeland

Avis S. Birkeland, age 89 of Grafton, North Dakota, passed away Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the Unity Medical Center of Grafton.

Avis Stark was born December 18, 1933 in Grafton, North Dakota, the daughter of the late Manville and Verna (Dahl) Stark.  She attended and graduated from Grafton High School in 1951.  She moved to Fargo where she worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone.  Avis was united in marriage to Joseph Birkeland in December 1959.  The couple made their home in both Grafton, North Dakota and on the Birkeland family farm in McIntosh, Minnesota.  Avis worked for Northwestern Bell in Grafton.  The couple loved to travel extensively with the Grafton Parade Band.  Joseph died on April 29, 1993.  Avis continued to live in Grafton until the time of her death.

She was a member of the Grafton Lutheran Church, Grafton Lutheran Church Choir and WELCA.  She loved playing cards.

Avis is survived by her brother, Lowell Stark, Fargo, ND; cousin, Wayne Stark, Grand Forks, ND and several nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, parents and sister Lavonne Fischer.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the Grafton Lutheran Church, Grafton, ND.  Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Inurnment will be at the St. Luke’s Cemetery, McIntosh, MN, in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Grafton Lutheran Church.