Mavis Ann Hatlen

February 23, 1937 – June 12, 2016

Mavis Tammen was born at home on her family’s farm in Clara City, Minnesota, to Simon and Nelda Tammen. She and her older brother Carrol attended a one-room schoolhouse through the 8th grade. Mavis graduated from Clara City High School in 1954. She received a teaching degree from Mankato State Teacher’s College in 1956, and began her career in education at Cedarcrest Elementary in Bloomington. Mavis met Alan Hatlen while she was teaching and he was atttending Luther Seminary in Saint Paul.

Alan and Mavis were married on June 16, 1957. They made their first home in La Center, Washington, where Alan served as pastor at Highland Lutheran Church. Their two sons, Joel and Mark, were born during these years. In 1963 they moved to Mountlake Terrace, Washington, where Alan served at Bethesda Lutheran Church and Mavis led youth ministries. Beth and David joined the family in Mountlake Terrace. In 1976 Alan was called to serve at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Snohomish, Washington. They served together there until Alan’s death in 1986. Mavis was active at the church in women’s ministries, leading youth group, singing in the choir and always greeting folks as they entered church.

Mavis taught at Snohomish High School for 23 years. She was loved and respected by students, faculty and staff. She was passionate about music, including playing guitar, piano and organ, and she enjoyed attending musical productions around the Puget Sound region. She also loved sports, especially attending events when her grandchildren were playing.

Mavis was preceded in death by her husband Alan, and her parents. She is survived by her brother Carrol (Shirley) Tammen, and by her children: Joel (Meg) Hatlen, Mark (Mary) Hatlen, Beth (Randy) Hamlin, and David (Kari) Hatlen; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 25th at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Snohomish. Memories may be given to the church.