Avonne H. Stennes, 84, Sartell

October 12, 1931 - May 09, 2016

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2PM Sunday, May 15, 2016 at the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, St. Cloud for Avonne Harriet Stennes (Bakken) age 84, of Sartell who died surrounded by family Monday, May 9, 2016 at the St. Cloud Hospital. Pastor Jeff Sackett will officiate. Visitation with family and friends will be from 12PM – 2PM Sunday with a light lunch following the service.
Avonne was born on October 12, 1931 to Helmer and Alma Bakken. She was raised on a farm in Erskine, MN and graduated from Erskine High School and Moorhead State Teachers College. Avonne married her high school sweetheart, Gordon, on July 3, 1952. In their 63 years of married life they resided in many places: Bamberg, Germany; Fargo, ND; Park Rapids, MN; Pine City, MN; Tyler, TX; Savana, IL; Reno, NV; and Mesa, AZ. Avonne considered each of their moves an adventure. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt who enjoyed visiting and always put people first. Avonne walked strongly in her faith and carried that on to her family. She enjoyed baking, especially making buns, fudge and Christmas cookies. Avonne will be missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Gordon; daughters, Heidi Stennes and Rebecca (Richard) Schlough; son, Scott (Cynthia) Stennes ; sisters, VerDell (El Ray)Fertig and Phyllis (Galen)Sele; four granddaughters, Madalyn (fiancé Tyler Skarolid) and Helen Stennes; Chloe and Julia Schlough; grandson, Parker Stennes and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Helmer and Alma Bakken and her brother, Harley Bakken (Marcene).

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.