1909
Viola
2007
Viola Nielsen
December 15, 1909 — August 1, 2007
Mrs. Viola Nielsen, 97, widow of Immanuel Nielsen, died Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at Jones-Harrison in Minneapolis.
Viola was born December 15, 1909 in Racine, Wisconsin to William and Celia Johnson. Viola's family lived in the Racine and the Black River Falls, WI area for her growing up years. In 1928 Viola graduated from Racine High School: she was in the last class to graduate from this school. Her plan was to attend teachers' training in Kenosha, WI; however, after her father died unexpectedly, she helped her mother support the family.
September 5, 1934 Viola was united in marriage to Immanuel Nielsen at Bethany Methodist Church in Racine, WI. In 1935 the couple moved to Minnesota where they served Methodist churches in Lake Benton-Ivanhoe-Hendricks, Walnut Grove-Holly, Vernon Center-Amboy, Lakefield, Duluth, Wesley, Detroit Lakes, and Austin. In 1965 they moved to Oshkosh, WI. In 1975 they returned to MN, and they lived in Forest Lake, White Bear Lake, and most recently in Jones-Harrison in Minneapolis.
Before she was married, Viola worked as a dental hygienist and a domestic. Viola was a homemaker for many years after she was married. In 1962 she was employed as a parish visitor and later as the matron of a health care facility in WI.
Viola was a life long member of the Methodist/United Methodist church. She was an active member of the women's organizations, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and assisted with youth group activities. Besides the church activities, Viola was a member of Parent Teacher Associations and League of Women Voters.
Viola was very intuitive when interacting with other people. Cooking and sewing were two of the areas where Viola had talent as well. She often baked bread, pies, and cookies for the family. Being a seamstress would describe Viola's sewing ability: she made clothing for her children, friends, and grandchildren.
Keeping up with the news often had Viola reading articles and looking locations up on the map. Viola read as often as time would allow.
Viola was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, Rev. Immanuel Nielsen; one son, Lowell Nielsen; one grandchild; and one step-great grandchild; her siblings, Roy Johnson, Vera Hansen, Jeanette Hammond, and Clarence Johnson. Viola is survived by two children, the Rev. Laurits "Larry" (the Rev. Mary Ellen) Nielsen of Golden Valley and Kirsten (the Rev. Forest) Strnad of Faribault. Four grandchildren also survive her and four great grandchildren as well as two step-grandchildren, nine step-great grandchildren, five step-great, great grandchildren, and Steve Hammond, her brother-in-law.
We would like to thank the staff at Jones-Harrison for the care they have given Viola for the past several years and the Methodist Hospice team.
Memorial Service 2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at Jones-Harrison, 3700 Cedar Lake Blvd., Minneapolis. Rev. Monica Powers officiating. Interment in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) or the Danish Immigrant Museum.
Viola was born December 15, 1909 in Racine, Wisconsin to William and Celia Johnson. Viola's family lived in the Racine and the Black River Falls, WI area for her growing up years. In 1928 Viola graduated from Racine High School: she was in the last class to graduate from this school. Her plan was to attend teachers' training in Kenosha, WI; however, after her father died unexpectedly, she helped her mother support the family.
September 5, 1934 Viola was united in marriage to Immanuel Nielsen at Bethany Methodist Church in Racine, WI. In 1935 the couple moved to Minnesota where they served Methodist churches in Lake Benton-Ivanhoe-Hendricks, Walnut Grove-Holly, Vernon Center-Amboy, Lakefield, Duluth, Wesley, Detroit Lakes, and Austin. In 1965 they moved to Oshkosh, WI. In 1975 they returned to MN, and they lived in Forest Lake, White Bear Lake, and most recently in Jones-Harrison in Minneapolis.
Before she was married, Viola worked as a dental hygienist and a domestic. Viola was a homemaker for many years after she was married. In 1962 she was employed as a parish visitor and later as the matron of a health care facility in WI.
Viola was a life long member of the Methodist/United Methodist church. She was an active member of the women's organizations, sang in the choir, taught Sunday school and assisted with youth group activities. Besides the church activities, Viola was a member of Parent Teacher Associations and League of Women Voters.
Viola was very intuitive when interacting with other people. Cooking and sewing were two of the areas where Viola had talent as well. She often baked bread, pies, and cookies for the family. Being a seamstress would describe Viola's sewing ability: she made clothing for her children, friends, and grandchildren.
Keeping up with the news often had Viola reading articles and looking locations up on the map. Viola read as often as time would allow.
Viola was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse, Rev. Immanuel Nielsen; one son, Lowell Nielsen; one grandchild; and one step-great grandchild; her siblings, Roy Johnson, Vera Hansen, Jeanette Hammond, and Clarence Johnson. Viola is survived by two children, the Rev. Laurits "Larry" (the Rev. Mary Ellen) Nielsen of Golden Valley and Kirsten (the Rev. Forest) Strnad of Faribault. Four grandchildren also survive her and four great grandchildren as well as two step-grandchildren, nine step-great grandchildren, five step-great, great grandchildren, and Steve Hammond, her brother-in-law.
We would like to thank the staff at Jones-Harrison for the care they have given Viola for the past several years and the Methodist Hospice team.
Memorial Service 2:00 pm, Tuesday, August 7, 2007 at Jones-Harrison, 3700 Cedar Lake Blvd., Minneapolis. Rev. Monica Powers officiating. Interment in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) or the Danish Immigrant Museum.
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