Mavis Moklestad

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March 20, 1931 - March 22, 2025

Mavis Moklestad, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on Saturday, March 22, 2025, just two days after celebrating her 94th birthday.

Born on March 20, 1931, in Brookfield Township near Kensett, Iowa, Mavis was the daughter of Engvil and Emma Jacobson. She graduated as salutatorian from Thompson High School in 1949. Shortly after graduation, she became engaged to the love of her life, Norman Moklestad.

Mavis and Norman both pursued college in Forest City, Iowa. While Norman continued farming and his studies, Mavis worked at the Soil Conservation Office. They shared many sweet moments together, including lunches together at the local Candy Kitchen.

On May 31, 1950, Mavis and Norman were united in marriage. Their bond, lasting an extraordinary 72 years, was a true example of a God-centered marriage filled with unwavering love, deep respect, and joyful companionship. Their love radiated to all who knew them.

Later in 1950, the couple moved to Ames, Iowa. Mavis worked at the Extension Office while Norman completed his degree at Iowa State University, graduating in 1952 with a degree in Vocational Agriculture and a minor in Animal Science and Farm Management.

For the next ten years, Mavis and Norman lived in Wall Lake, Iowa. There, Mavis embraced her role as a devoted wife and loving mother. She taught piano lessons and directed the church choir, sharing her God-given musical gifts with the community. Her beautiful singing voice, joyful piano playing, radiant smile, and infectious laugh touched everyone who met her.

In 1961, they moved to Humboldt, Iowa, where they raised their four children: Teresa, Mark, Tim, and Nancy. Mavis obtained her real estate license, taught 40 piano lessons a week, and continued to direct the choir at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. Norman worked as a County Extension Director for 25 years.

In 1986, Mavis and Norman settled in Des Moines, where Mavis continued on with her music and Norman worked for the Iowa Dairy Association. Together, they remained active in church and community service, always looking for ways to help others.

Mavis cherished her family deeply. She delighted in spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—whether through music, games, or supporting them at church, school, and sporting events. Her love, support, and presence were a constant source of strength and joy.

Mavis will be remembered as a woman of deep faith, kindness, compassion, and fun. She had a sincere heart for others and a natural ability to lift the spirits of those around her. Her life was a living testimony of love, generosity, and unwavering devotion to God and family.

Mavis is survived by her four children—Teresa, Mark (Dixie), Tim (Karen), and Nancy—along with ten grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Norman; her parents, Engvil and Emma Jacobson; her sisters, Leona and Charlotte; and her brother, Claire.

Though she is now rejoicing in heaven with Jesus and her beloved Norman, Mavis will forever remain in our hearts until we see her and Norman again.

Services for Mavis will be Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA. Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m., with the funeral following at 11:00 a.m., interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.