Avis J. Anderson

Avis J. Anderson, age 92, of Brandon, South Dakota, died Wednesday, February 25, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls. A Memorial service will be 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at George Boom Funeral Chapel in Brandon.  Visitation will be from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025 at George Boom Funeral Chapel in Brandon. Inurnment will be in Hills of Rest Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

Avis Jean Anderson, “Mama A”, was born June 13, 1932 in Henry, South Dakota to Neil and Irene (Hovde) Johnson. She had three sisters, Phyllis, Ruth, Karen and one brother, Noel. She attended Henry High School and graduated in 1950.

Avis married Ardell “Sammy” Hjermstad on December 23, 1950. Four children were born to this union, Cynthia, Debra, Lori and Joey. On February 18, 1983 Avis married Gale Anderson and gained four step-sons, Carl, Travis, Shane and Troy Anderson.

Avis worked at Midland National Life Insurance Co. for 34 years. While there, she held positions of manager of various departments and was elected officer of the company. She enjoyed many years of camping and fishing at Lake Oahe in Pierre, South Dakota with family and friends.

Avis is survived by her children, Debra (Greg) Schafer, Lori (Roger) Knochenmus, Joe (Lisa) Hjermstad; step-sons, Carl, Travis, and Shane Anderson; sisters, Ruth Hvidhyld, Karen (Gary) Hansen along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands, Gale Anderson and Ardell (Sammy) Hjermstad; daughter, Cynthia Heald;  sister, Phyllis Anderson; son-in-law, Charles "Chuck" Kahnke, brother-in-law’s, Harlyn Anderson and Bill Hvidhyld; and step-son, Troy Anderson.