Avis Darlene Ystenes

Avis Darlene Ystenes October 14, 1946 - December 4, 2024, Avis Darlene Ystenes passed away peacefully, Wednesday, December 4th at her home in Audubon, MN. She was 78. 

Avis was born in Bejou, MN to Emil and EvaMae (Sharbono) Brtek. She attended school in Bejou until 8th grade, graduating from Mahnomen High School along with the Class of 1964. After graduation, she ran off to South Dakota with her sweetheart Willy, where they got married. They lived there for a short time, eventually moving to St. Paul and North Dakota, before settling in Detroit Lakes, where they raised their 3 children: Terry, Natalie and Anita. 

Avis worked several jobs over the years, some of them being at Tuffy’s, Radio Shack and the 59’er Truck Stop. But her main job was taking care of the family while Willy was on the road as a long-haul truck driver. After the kids got older, she traveled along with him for many trips. She was an avid bowler for over 20yrs, winning many pins and awards. She was an excellent cook; pie maker and Christmas treat maker. Everyone looked forward to her bringing her famous fudge, divinity and peanut butter cups to holiday get-togethers. Her and Willy lived on Floyd Lake for a while, after Willy “retired” and then they moved to Audubon to be closer to his Job at the Audubon elevator. They made many friends in the Audubon community, where Avis continued to live until her death. 

She will be dearly missed by her children, 13 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren. Her siblings, Floyd, Gerald (Sharon), Shirley (Ron), Gloria, Lillian (Roger) and Gary (Pam). Her sister-in-law JoAnn, brother-in-law Vaughn. Her sister in laws Myrna, Diane (Van), Arla (Mark), Norma (Willard), Laurel, Eileen (Phil), and JoAnn (Steve). Also, by her fellow “Sunshine Girls” and the sunshine apartment community. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 49yrs, her brothers Kenneth and Leslie, her sister Marion, brothers in law Gordon and Melvin, sister-in-law Cheryl and her great grandchild Tehya.

Graveside services will be held at a later date.