Avis Louise Veselka

Avis Veselka, age 97, of Golden Valley passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 23, 2025 with family by her side. She will be remembered for her years of services at Crystal State Bank, her love for animals and her generous, loving spirit.

She is survived by Dottie Krolik, Mary Govella, Keith Michael (Michelle) Taylor, Laylah Taylor, Landin Taylor, Robert (Mary) Taylor, Janine (Shannon) Kasper and many other family and friends.

Memorials preferred to donor's choice.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Sunset Funeral Home, Minneapolis at 11 am with visitation beginning at 10 am. Burial will be held at Sunset Cemetery, Minneapolis.

In Loving Memory of Avis Veselka

Avis Louise Veselka, beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by love and laughter that carried through every chapter of her life. Avis was one of five children, born to parents whose hearts and home were always open — not only to their own kids but also to borders, neighbors, and anyone who needed a roof over their head or a warm meal. That spirit of generosity and compassion shaped Avis’s life and the countless lives she touched.

Avis shared a deep and special bond with her siblings, especially her sister Dottie. The two spoke every day, and Avis cherished those calls, filled with laughter, updates, and the kind of comfort only sisters can share.

Avis was also very close to her brother Buster, his wife Sharon, and their kids Jada and BJ. Jada and BJ were the light in Gene and Avis’s hearts, making their family complete. Avis always kept an update on Jada’s professional career and BJ’s talent in architecture and engineering.

Avis’s relationship with her sister Audrey was also special. She would talk about how beautiful Audrey was and how she, her husband, and their son Brian brought sunshine into their lives. Avis would share stories of when Brian was young, highlighting what a good little boy he was. He, Lynn, and their family brought joy to Avis later in her years through Chelsea’s dogs and her visits with Brian.

Avis and her husband, Gene, built a home rooted in love, faith, and family. Together, they welcomed a very special boy and girl into their hearts and home—Charlie and Mary. Avis often said how much she loved Charlie’s famous neck rubs and Mary’s helping hands around the house. Mary held a very special place in Uncle Gene and Auntie Avis’s hearts. They always wanted to make sure Mary was doing well, was safe, and had what she needed. Still to this day, Avis wanted nothing more than the best for her and took pride in her strength, kindness, and resilience.

When Keith Michael was born, the family was blessed with the addition of the Taylor family. With her trademark humor, Avis would often say she wasn’t sure the Taylors realized Keith Michael came with an entire extended family from the Kaufman side and the Veselka’s. From that moment on, Avis and Gene were lovingly known as Nina and Boppa. Keith Michael and all of the Taylor children were their pride and joy. Avis was blessed with even more joy when Laylah was born. Keith Michael would spend time with Avis so Laylah could love on her and give her the joy of a little one. As a single dad making ends meet, he met Michelle and fell in love. Michelle's open heart, bright smile, and contagious laughter gave her a special place in the family. A few years later “The Boss”, Landin, was born. Avis’s heart became fuller because of Laylah and Landin. She was so very proud of the young lady Laylah is and “The boss” scoring goals for his Nina.

Bob and Mary lovingly opened their hearts to care for Avis ever since Gene passed away. Avis would always call Bob “Robert” with a stern voice and smile on her face. They took on the roles of being friends and being ministers to nurture Avis’s faith. Avis loved going to church where Bob was a minister. She would often say what great sermons he would give… on occasion she would say maybe he could have cut it a bit shorter and she would laugh. Avis was forever grateful for all that Bob and Mary did to make her family complete.

A proud and pioneering woman in her professional life, Avis often reflected on her years in banking—especially her time at Crystal State Bank. She paved the way for women long before it was fashionable, mentoring and inspiring others simply by being herself. She frequently credited her Uncle Pete and Jerry from the bank as her early role models, passing on the same encouragement and opportunities they had given her. She also shared stories about the days at the Bungalow, where she said she would enjoy a martini and a cigarette.

Friendships for Avis were lifelong. For many years— even into her 70s— she regularly had lunch with girls from grade school. She also did the same with a wonderful group of ladies from the bank. She always looked forward to those lunches and the close bonds she shared.

Avis’s peonies — carefully transplanted from her parents’ garden — bloomed year after year, reminders of the roots she tended in both family and faith. Her greatest love was Gene. Together, they shared decades of devotion and adventure. Their visits to Texas to stay with the Veselkas became cherished traditions, where they wove themselves into the local community — right down to Avis’s beloved hair stylist who became a dear friend. Beverly and Annette and their families would take Avis and Gene to the beach or the lake. Avis was never a fan of being in a boat, but she did like the ocean to look at.

After Gene passed, Avis found renewed joy and companionship thanks to her wonderful neighbors, Stephanie and Don, who reconnected her with Stephanie’s dad, Bill. Bill brought her laughter, travel, theatre nights, and music — she loved listening to him sing. He was a member of a quartet for many years. She would always share that during their Rocky Mountain train tour, they shared a birth... With a grin and sparkle in her eye, she would say, “well you know we are in our 70s… I think we didn’t worry about getting pregnant or anything.” Avis was endlessly grateful for those later-in-life blessings. Avis was never without her wit and wisdom. Among her many famous sayings were:

• “No one does anything on their own when they are successful. God’s hand is always there — and there’s always someone on earth, too.”

• “Stupid next door” — a running inside joke the whole family knew.

• She’d sign off phone calls with a cheerful “Speak at you later,” and when it was time to head out, she’d grin and say, “Let’s blow this popsicle stand!”

Avis deeply cherished Stephanie and Don. They loved sharing coffee moments and reminiscing about Bill. Stephanie and Don weren't just neighbors or friends; they felt like family to Avis and will forever remain an important part of ours.

Even into her 80s Avis had a sharp mind for politics, a soft heart for animals, and an unwavering respect for the police and military. Being a part of the community was essential to Avis. She served as block president for her neighborhood watch for many years — the go-to protector and friend for everyone on her street.

Her favorite pastime? The casino. Avis loved her penny slots, and when she was feeling lucky, she’d move up to quarters. When she and Bill went to the casino, he would go one way and she’d go another and they would meet up to see who won the most. They made friends at the casino from the valet to the restaurant servers. It was one of their favorite places to go. Even after Avis gave up driving, the “girls next door” would take her out for a day of fun and food, making memories that meant the world to her.

Family was always at the center of Avis’s life. She opened her doors to Tiffany, Billy, and their two children — a time filled with laughter, energy, and joy. Shannon and Janine always made it a special occasion to celebrate each of Avis’s birthdays, whether they were together in person or sharing love from afar. When traveling was feasible, Avis joyfully visited Ohio and Colorado for longer stays, creating wonderful memories. Later in her life, Shannon and Janine would travel to Minnesota to join her in celebrating her birthday, showing how much they cherished these moments together.

She was especially touched — and completely surprised — by her 90th birthday celebration surrounded by family and friends who adored her, especially her family from the “farm”.

Avis’s life was one of love — fiercely loyal, deeply giving, and full of laughter that never faded. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, resilience, humor, and a boundless heart.

She will forever be remembered for her wisdom, generosity, courage, and for always being available to talk.

Nina, sister, aunt, friend — Our hearts are fuller because you were here.

“Speak at you later,” Avis. Until we meet again.

Written for my Aunt, My Anchor, My Everything,

Janine (Genie) Kasper