Maynard Navis

Maynard Navis, 90, of Waupun, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024 with family by his side. 

Maynard was born October 7, 1934 to Andrew and Hilda Kastein Navis. On June 24, 1955 he married Bernice Hopp of Alto. Maynard was in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He was a dairy farmer all of his life and bought his first farm in 1964, a few years after returning home from his military station in Germany. He had five children with his wife, Bernice. Maynard was a member of Bethel Reformed Church of Brandon where he served as an Elder and Deacon. He and his late wife, Bernice established the Brandon Tanager 4-H club and were very involved with the Alto Fair since its beginning. They hosted multiple AFS students and enjoyed spending time with friends and playing in card clubs. After Bernice passed in 1996, Maynard retired and re-married Victoria Bittner. They spent their winters in Texas and enjoyed meeting new friends and playing Dirty Board. Maynard started his new hobby of woodworking where he made many specialty bowls, planters, and lamps. He joked that he was never too old to learn something new. 

Maynard is survived by his wife, Victoria Bittner Navis; children: Barbara (John) Heidt, Gary (Marlene) Navis, Byron (Linda) Navis, Mary (Merwin) Kimble, and Lisa (Matthew) Schwab; grandchildren: Michael (Cara) Heidt, Kristi (Michael) Danfield, Janell (David) Dukish, Christopher (Stacy) Navis, Andrew (fiance, Kate) Navis, Ashley (Chris) Weidman, Tate (Mackenzie) Kimble, Claire Schwab, and Jaden Schwab; great-grandchildren: Harrison, Brooks, Camden, Madelyne, William, Anabelle, Jonah, Dorian, Nash, Colt, and Willa; brothers: Dale (Sigrid) Navis and Darryl (Debbie) Navis; sister, Audrey Fiet; three step-children from Victoria Bittner: Roland (Carol) Bittner, Debra (Jeffery) Quandt, and Dale (Shelly) Bittner; 8 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. 

Maynard was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Hopp Navis who passed in 1996; grandson, Gregory Navis; and brother-in-law, Wilfred Fiet.

A special thanks to St. Croix Hospice and Prairie Ridge for the special care given the past two years.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Church in Brandon with Pastor John Tilstra officiating. Burial to follow at Alto Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Military honors will be provided.