Mavis Kurosky

Mavis Jena Kurosky, 81, of Proctor, MN entered eternal rest on July 22, 2018. The daughter of Andrew and Inga Bakke; Mavis was born on Nov. 19, 1936 in Webster, SD. Her family resided in Webster until Mavis's senior year of high school when they relocated to the Morgan Park area of Duluth, MN. Mavis graduated from Morgan Park high school in 1954.  After graduation Mavis worked at Western Electric and Avionics where she met her future husband, James Louis Kurosky, Sr. They were wed in Duluth, MN on Nov. 23,1957. Jim Sr and Mavis became proud parents of 6 children whom were born over a span of 18 years. Mavis was a proud homemaker for several decades.

In 1984, Jim and Mavis became co-owners of True Value Hardware in Two Harbors, MN where Mavis was the store's bookkeeper. After that she worked in various roles at Hermantown Middle School, United Health Care and finally working along with the financial records department for St. Louis County until her retirement in 2010. Mavis was a friend to all and was known as "everyone's mom". Her smile and eternal optimism were contagious, and she maintained a wonderful sense of humor during the most challenging times. Her motto was "I'm loving living". She enjoyed gathering with family and friends and was always ready for a game of Bonkers, Cribbage or Skip-Bo. Other hobbies included cooking and baking, singing, sewing, hand-crafting gifts for family and friends, playing slotomania, coloring, taking road trips with loved ones and coordinating the most enjoyable Christmas gatherings one could imagine.

Mavis was a member of St. Rose, St. Raphael, and St. Joseph's catholic churches. Prior to that she and Jim were founding members of St. Ben's catholic church where she was also a member of the church choir.  Mavis had a heart for all animals and proudly raised poodles for many years. She was a supporter of animal allies and advocated for all living creatures big or small. She shared her home with her three cockatiels: Charlie, Parker and Perky and was known by many as the lady walking her beloved sheltie, Sophie, who was her faithful companion for 8 years.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Kurosky Sr., brother Eugene Bakke, and a granddaughter Briley Kurosky.

She will be dearly missed by her children Lori (Mike) Wienen, Douglas (Alanna) Kurosky, Patti Jo (Jon) Rowray, James (Jennifer) Kurosky Jr., Kelly Kurosky, and Michael Kurosky Sr., 12 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, sisters Burdene Peterson and Lois (Ralph) Sarne, brother James (Helen) Bakke, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday July 27, 2018 at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, 5779 Seville Rd. Duluth, MN 55811, from 10AM until the 11AM Memorial Mass.  Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805.  218-727-3555.