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Avis Norma Meers Filippi
Lilah Crowe2021-03-13T20:46:46-06:00
- Name: Avis Norma Filippi (Meers)
- Location of Birth: Bethel, Minnesota
- Date of Birth: February 29, 1924
- Date of Death: January 11, 2017 (92 years old)
- Parents: Alfred and Beatrice Meers
- High School and Class: St. Francis High School - St. Francis, Minnesota
- College: St. Cloud State - St. Cloud, Minnesota
- Highest Rank:
- Branch: Marine Corp
- Other Branch:
- Date Sworn In:
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- Date of Discharge:
- Place of Discharge:
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- Military Highlights:
Avis was very proud of her World War II service in the Marine Corps stationed at Camp Lejeune
- Wars Involved:
World War II
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- Civilian Life:
Avis was born on Leap Day, so has had only 23 birthdays.
She was valedictorian of her St. Francis High School.
Upon graduation from St. Cloud State, she took the highest paying teacher salary job and moved to Keewatin, Minnesota. Avis taught physical education, health, and English. With girls sports starting up in 1972, she became a pioneer coach and advocate for girls sports, leading teams in volleyball, gymnastics, and track and field.
In 1949, Avis married Peter P. Filippi, Jr. Peter passed away in 1996.
For twenty years after retirement, Avis was a world traveler, visiting every continent except Antarctica. She swam with the Galapagos Island tortoises, experienced an African safari, along with many other adventures.
Avis was very involved in the Congregation of the Good Shepherd Church in Keewatin; she was a Scout leader, member of the American Legion, marching in all the parades; and all Keewatin community activities.
Avis is survived by children; Terry (Barb), Kevin, and Susan (Brian) Moody; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; special little friend, Elodie; many wonderful nieces and nephews; sister, Marly Pratt; sisters-in-law Marjorie Filippi and Mary Jean Filippi.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Beatrice Meers; siblings, Fern Jacobs, Marion Reber, Everett Meers, Warren Meers, and Richard Meers; and her husband, Peter Filippi.
Avis died at Home Sweet Home Assisted Living in Hibbing, Minnesota and is buried in Maple Hill Cemetery at Hibbing, Minnesota. No photo of grave marker is available at this time.
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