Avis JoAnn Siebert

Avis was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on September 10, 1940 in the home her father built, to Eulah Edna (Garoutte) Kroger and Edward Adolf Kroger. Her parents and an older brother Eugene and his twin, named Dean have preceded her in death.

She is survived by her husband Allen, Daughter Leah, son Rory and his wife Crys, four grandchildren- Nicholas and his wife Jessica, Jesse and his fiance Jade, Amanda and her husband Warren, Remington, and seven great-grandchildren - Kelsea, Christopher, Jonathan, Alice, Jackson, Matthew and Lilyan Jo.

When Avis was four months old her father was asked to work during WWII as a carpenter helping to build various military bases. After living in several places in Missouri and Kansas, they finally settled in Harvard Nebraska until August 31, 1956 when the moved to Lincoln, Nebraska.

While in Harvard, Avis attended the local school. She enjoyed her classes for the mental stimulation they gave her, finding that books took her where her body could no go. She and her family attended the Methodist Church and it was there she accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and the Lord of her life. Avis would say she couldn't remember for sure when she became a believer (she was baptized at age eight).

The path upon which the Lord chose for Avis to tread would not be an easy one, but she determined at an early age to serve her Lord to the best of her ability. God allowed her to experience His loving grace and mercy through multiple orthopedic surgeries and even to make medical history a few times. Though she often grew tired of the tremendous, daily struggle it took to lead as normal a life as possible, she pressed onward toward the ultimate goal of living a life for her Savior that would somehow bring glory to Him. After moving to Lincoln, Avis graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 1958.

Avis met her beloved husband, Allen, at National Business Institute in 1959 when they were both students and after graduation they were married on November 26, 1960. She provided a loving and nurturing home for her husband and eventually the Lord blessed them with two prayed-for children, Leah in 1962 and Rory in 1969. Eventually, Avis would lovingly welcome grandchildren as well as great grandchildren into her life. She taught them all to the love of the Lord and worshiped with her family in church as often as possible.

Avis' complete devotion to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren was a matter of fact. Daily she entrusted her loved ones into the Lord's care asking that He shower them with His mercy and grace. Her heart's desire was that the many lives she touched would, in turn, find their names written in God's Book of Life so they could spend eternity together service Him.

Avis worked in various church women's organizations, sand in choirs, played the piano and organ for worship services, funerals, etc., taught children's classes, and served in a variety of other ways, lending a helping hand when she was physically able to do so. Avis had the heart-felt joy of knowing she had done what she could for others. She sang many solos throughout her lifetime, but her favorite times to sing was when she and Allen sang duets.

While married, Avis helped provide for her family by working in several secretarial positions and eventually she owned and operated a typing and word-processing business, during which time she worked with many UNL and Wesleyan University students as well as their faculties on a variety of projects. She truly enjoyed learning new facts and meeting new people. It was during these years when she felt most able to share with strangers her love for Christ and what He meant in her life. In being of service to others she often acted as a "mom" to many students, offering them Godly advice and counsel as it was needed.

Avis was always a good neighbor and friend. She greatly enjoyed the companionship of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Reading bible stories to them as children and later teaching them what life as a believer should be like was vitally important to her. Daily devotions were a part of her life, as well as reading man Christian books from various authors. For fun she read mystery novels, travel and adventure books, plus many news periodicals. Her love of classical and Christian music brought her many hours of comfort; in fact, as an older teenager she composed and recorded a classical song. Later in life Avis enjoyed volunteering for local law enforcement.

Eventually, it became physically too painful to participate in some of her favorite activities. Grudgingly she gave up most of the activities that she loved, but her daily walk with Jesus became even more precious to her. She wanted those who knew and loved her to know that she could honestly say at the end of her life - "It is well with my soul." For many years, Avis looked forward with a humble heart and great anticipation to meeting her Lord face-to-face; and now she has begun her eternal service being able to praise and serve Him perfectly without any limitations whatsoever.

PRAISE THE LORD!!

REJOICE! ONE OF THE LORD'S CHILDREN HAS GONE HOME