Avis M. Grandalen

Avis Grandalen, 90, of Portland, ND, died peacefully on October 4, 2013, at Sanford Hospital, Mayville, ND. Avis Marie Ulland was born July 19, 1923, at Mayville, ND, the daughter of Ed and Anna Ulland. She was baptized at Gran Lutheran Church and confirmed at Bruflat Lutheran Church. Avis graduated from Portland High School in 1941. After high school, she began a life-long career in education. Avis married Arthur Grandalen on March 4, 1944. Together they raised five daughters. Avis began her teaching career at Stavanger No. 2 rural school near Buxton, ND. She later moved on to teaching in rural schools in Enger, Golden Lake and Primrose Townships in Steele County. In 1965 she took a teaching position in the Hatton School District. Avis retired from education in May, 1987, after 36 years of teaching. Avis was active in Aurdal Lutheran Church having served as Luther League Advisor and Sunday School teacher and was an active member of the women’s group. She enjoyed playing cards and loved spending time with her family. She is survived by her daughters: Patty McDonald, New Brighton, MN; Gail (Merle) Strand, Portland, ND; Paula (Luther) Simley, West Fargo, ND; Kari (Jon) Bakkum, Mayville, ND; and Kelly (Mike) Bradner, Portland, ND. Grandchildren: Bruce (Cindy) Malwitz, Tanya Malwitz, Mike McDonald, Andy (Anita) Strand, Jason (Christa) Strand, Scott (Judi) Simley, Jeff Simley, Jill (Ryan) Ehrmantraut, Kristen Bakkum, Peter Bakkum, Bennie Bradner, Anna Bradner, Jack Bradner, and Kate Bradner. Great-grandchildren: Jennifer and Bradley Malwitz, Dakota Malwitz, Trevor and Connor Strand, Mavrik Strand, and Lexi and Kali Simley. She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Burnette Domier, Elk River, MN, Grace Ulland of Heber City, UT and Jean Ann Ulland of Hatton, ND, and brothers-in-law Marvin (Ginny) Grandalen, Cowley, WY, and Bennie (Patty) Grandalen, Portland, ND, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Avis was preceded in death by her husband: Arthur in 2009; parents, Ed and Anna Ulland; brothers Milnor, Alvin, Sidney, Andy, Manvil, Ervin and Hilman, and sisters Marion Lis and Kathryn Jordet. Visitation: Will be from 5-7 PM on Monday, October 7, 2013 with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the Luther Memorial Home Chapel and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 8, 2013 at Aurdal Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Burial: Aurdal Cemetery, Portland, ND.