Mavis Flack

(From Mahn Family Funeral Farm)

Mavis Frances Flack, 80, of Hager City, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at Elysian Fields of Red Wing, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease, with family by her side. 

She was born on July 23, 1945, in Fargo, ND to Cyrus and Bonnie (Warner) Ness. She graduated from Halstad High School in Halstad, Minn. She attended Moorhead State University and then graduated from Dakota Business College. On March 4, 1967, she was united in marriage to Richard Flack. They were blessed with two sons, Steve and Dan. They resided in Fargo until 1970, when they moved to Hager City. After her sons graduated from high school, Mavis worked for various local businesses, including Flower Valley Orchard, Hallstrom Florist and Sturdiwheat. 

If you knew Mavis, you were likely fed by Mavis. Her cooking and baking left a lasting impression on many. After moving to the area, Mavis taught her very popular cake decorating classes along with making countless beautiful wedding and birthday cakes. She was the family Christmas magic coordinator, known for extravagant treat boxes given to friends and family near and far. Every year she anxiously awaited the annual Svea pie social and entering everything from baked goods to floral arrangements at the Pierce County Fair. It wasn’t unusual for her to bring home a box full of blue and purple ribbons. 

Throughout her life Mavis enjoyed many artistic pursuits including rosemaling, Ukrainian Easter eggs, stained glass art, calligraphy, floral design, and was also a master food preserver. Mavis loved her extensive flower and vegetable gardens. 

Mavis was a faithful longtime member of Svea Lutheran Church serving in different capacities. She and Richard were fortunate to spend many years traveling the country in their motorhome sightseeing, pursuing their love of rock hunting, and forging lasting friendships along the way. Mavis cherished her family, sharing her love, telling stories and attending many of her children and grandchildren’s events throughout the years.

Mavis is survived by her loving husband, Richard of 58 years; son, Steve (Rhonda) Flack of Red Wing and their children, Hayden, Madeline (Tanner) Schmaling and daughters, Haisey and Hollyn Schmaling, and Sydney Flack; son Dan (Angelique) Flack of Webb City, Mo., and their children, Julia, Wyatt, Elaina and Walter; several nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters-in-law, Rodney (Linda) Flack of Foley, Ala. and Michael (Carla) Lien and Randy Lein all of Fargo, ND. Mavis was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Lowell Ness; father and mother-in-law, Marshal and Evelyn Lien; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roger (Karen) Flack, Penny (Duane) Westland and Cindy Lien.

Family burial will be at the Svea Lutheran Cemetery in the Spring. Memorials are preferred to the Parkinson’s Foundation or Svea Lutheran Church. Mavis’ family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Elysian Fields and St Croix hospice for the compassion and care they showed Mavis.

Arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel in Red Wing.