Mavis Ann Steffan, 62, Dickinson, died surrounded by her family Tuesday, September 29, 2015 on the Feast of the Archangels at St. Alexius Medical Center, Bismarck. Mavis’ Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, October 6, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Dickinson, with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as the celebrant and assisted by Deacon Dallas Carlson. Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson, and will continue at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be a rosary & vigil at 7 p.m., Monday at the church, with Deacon Dallas Carlson presiding.
Mavis was born on July 17, 1953 in Dickinson to Vincent J. and Mary Ann (Anderson) Binstock. She grew up on her family’s farm southwest of South Heart and graduated from South Heart High School in 1971. She attended DSU while working as a lifeguard. On July 29, 1972, she married Galen Steffan at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Belfield. They lived in Mandan, Des Moines, Iowa, and Bismarck until settling west of Dickinson in 1976. Mavis worked as the Deputy Clerk of Court at the Stark County Court House for 18 years, and then pursued a career in 2001 as an independent petroleum land agent where she researched mineral ownership and negotiated many oil and gas leases for major oil and gas companies.
Mavis was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining and hosting family gatherings. With her quick wit and fun sense of humor, she brought many smiles and much laughter. Her caring words and generous actions demonstrated how she was always thinking of others before herself. She was devoted to participating in the lives of her husband, children, and grandchildren.
In January 2013, Mavis received a terminal diagnosis of neuroendocrine cancer. With faith and courage, she endured much suffering. Without complaint, she offered it all for those she loved. Near the end when she would have a “good” day, Mavis cast aside all other cares to spend time with her adoring grandchildren who were her greatest joy. We rest assured that she was welcomed into loving arms!
Mavis is survived by her father Vince of Dickinson; husband Galen of Dickinson; son Cory (Tanya) and their daughters Leah and Abby of Dickinson; son Travis (April) and their children Gabriel, Juliana, and Miriam of Fargo; daughter Heather (Justin) Haag and their children Davin, Brogan, Ashlynn, and Thorin of Dickinson; brother Terry (Jan) Binstock of Robbinsdale, Minn.; brother Alvin (Laurel) Binstock of South Heart; and sister Rhonda (Neal) Steffan of South Heart. She also leaves behind dear friends, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother Mary Ann Binstock, infant sister Nancy Binstock, and father-in-law Mansvetus Steffan.
In Lieu of flowers, Mavis requested a donation to Prader-Willi Foundation.
