Mavis Ione Jante

Mavis Ione Jante passed away on March 20, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on October 11, 1933, in Willmar, MN to William and Mabel Van Vugt, the eldest of four children.

The visitation will begin at 10 a.m. followed by her celebration of life service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com

Mavis was an extraordinary woman, known for her entrepreneurial spirit and her ability to foster several small businesses. Among her many achievements, she was a cookbook author as well as an organic gardener - long before it became fashionable. Her passion for fresh, healthy food and her innovative thinking were evident in all her endeavors. Her other interests included baking, traveling, photography and reading.

Mavis was also an accomplished seamstress, having made countless pairs of pajamas and blankets for children worldwide as well as giving generously to organizations benefitting local children. She was always eager to learn new skills, meet new friends, and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Her caramel rolls were legendary, a testament to her nurturing spirit and her ability to bring joy to those around her.

Mavis had three children with her first husband, Dale Nelson, in Willmar, Minnesota. During her thirties, she made a bold move to the Twin Cities to embark on a new chapter in her life. Her love of flowers inspired her to purchase Daisy Floral in Bloomington, Minnesota, where she became a well-known figure in the community. Her dedication and commitment to women-owned businesses and the floral industry was unwavering. She served on the Teleflora board, the WAMSO (Minnesota Orchestra Volunteer Association), and numerous other organizations.

She is survived by her two children, Brian Nelson (Marilyn Hunt) of Spicer and Susan Bergquist (Neil) of Plymouth; and two siblings, William Van Vugt of Rochester and Nola Wheeler of Issaquah, Washington. Her legacy also lives on through her three grandchildren: Kelly Wittman, Sean Nelson, and Jane Rasner (Aaron), and her beautiful great-granddaughter, Evie Rasner.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mabel Van Vugt, her husband, Larry Jante, her brother, Sid Van Vugt, and her daughter, Roxanne Wittman.

A special thank you to the staff at Compassionate Cottage in Willmar and the Hospice Team. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are preferred to the Hawk Creek Animal Shelter of Willmar, reflecting Mavis's lifelong love for animals.