Mavis Ann Vanderbilt passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, at Great River Care Center.
Born on Dec. 17, 1933, in Eastman, Wisconsin, Mavis was the daughter of Charles and Jeannette Hamilton, the youngest (and arguably the spunkiest) of four sisters. She graduated from Seneca High School in 1952 and married the love of her life, William “Bill” Vanderbilt, on July 31st of that same year. Together they made their home in Lynxville, Wisconsin, where they built a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and countless adventures.
Mavis was an active member of her church and community throughout her life. She faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher at the Lynxville Congregational Church. She worked for many years at Wyalusing Academy in Prairie du Chien, where she remained until her retirement. Whether at church, at work, or among family and friends, Mavis had a quick wit and sense of humor that could make anyone smile.
She lived a full and vibrant life and found great joy tending her beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed cross-stitch, crochet, and camping and hunting trips with Bill and friends. Mavis was well known among family and friends for her delicious homemade pies, sweet and sour pork, and her legendary turtle soup. If you ever found her in the kitchen, chances were every cupboard door would be standing open while she cooked. When she wasn’t outdoors or in the kitchen, she could often be found around the card table, always ready for a spirited game of Euchre. In recent years, you could still find a game of cards at her table, often with her nieces and neighbor.
Mavis shared an especially close bond with her sisters, and throughout her life remained a caring daughter, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. She embraced her nieces and nephews with love and found great happiness in spending time with her family and friends. She opened her home to host countless family gatherings, from Christmases to birthday parties and everything in between. She was often considered the overseer of the family, always caring for those she loved and helping keep everyone connected.
Mavis was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Vanderbilt; her parents, Charles and Jeannette Hamilton; her sisters, Blanche, Lavonna, and Juanita; and many more family and friends.She is survived by nieces Pam (Ray) Ellefson, Laura (Lloyd) Meyer, Jenny (Greg) Yarmouth, and Carol (Cliff) Tollefson; nephews Charles (Wendy) Vanderbilt, Richard Vanderbilt Jr., Ed (Carol) Strand, George Klinger, and Kay Klinger; and many great-nieces and great-nephews, who will miss her dearly, along with dear friends and neighbors.
When asked about her life a few years ago, Mavis simply said, “I’ve had a great life, and I’ve had so much fun.” Those words perfectly captured the way she lived: with gratitude, joy, and an appreciation for the people around her.
A memorial service will be held at United Methodist Church in Prairie du Chien on August 8th at 11 a.m., followed by lunch at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to St. Croix Hospice, the Prairie du Chien United Methodist Church, or that you honor Mavis by gathering with those you love, sharing a meal, dancing when the music plays, and never taking life’s ordinary moments for granted.
Kramer-Grau Funeral Homes & Crematory in Prairie du Chien is assisting the family.
Online condolences: www.kramergraufuneralhomes.com
