Services for Avis Elaine Aanestad, 90, of Casper are scheduled for 10 a.m., Friday, Sept 18 at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church at 318 E. Sixth Street in Casper. The service is preceded by a public viewing Thursday, Sept. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home at 710 E. Second St. A graveside service follows the Friday funeral at Highland Cemetery.
Mrs. Aanestad died at her home Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, following a short battle with cancer. She was born July 17, 1925, in Moody County, S.D., the daughter of John J. and Ingeborg Quissell. Following graduation from high school in Jasper, Minn., she attended Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. She was the organist in the Bethania Country Church in Moody County, S.D.
She married Dean Palmer Aanestad August 1, 1944, and the couple moved to Casper in 1955. Avis worked for many years at J.C. Penney's in Casper; first in the old downtown store and later at Eastridge Mall. She often used her vacation time to follow the Casper Troopers, selling souvenirs in support of Trooper Promotions. She was a longtime member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church, and sang alto in the church choir.
Avis was extremely proud of her family and her Norwegian heritage and visited Norway twice. She followed the careers of her children, attending sporting and musical events across Wyoming and the region. The couple also enjoyed the Christian music group "The Imperials," and traveled to many of the quartet's concerts. Mr. Aanestad preceded her in death on Nov. 28, 2001.
Avis is survived by her sister Madeline (Paul) Hatlestad of Sioux Falls, S.D., children Duane (Carrol) Aanestad of Leaburg, Ore., Darrell (Karen) Aanestad of Mitchell, Neb., Lynelle Aanestad of Las Vegas, Nev., John (Carolyn) of Riverton, Wyo., and Debbie (Dale) Reeder of Centerville, Texas, three grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, 11 step great grandchildren and 11 step great-great grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions.
To share your memories of Avis or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.