Viola Sander

   Viola Anna, daughter of Niels and Sorina (Ahrenkiel) Hansen, was born October 2, 1923 at Elk Horn, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Because her mother died when Viola was 10 and her father had a stroke three years later, Viola and her brother lived the remainder of their youth at the Elim Children’s Home. She attended school in Elk Horn, graduating in 1942. Viola then worked for a local grocery store and the creamery in Kimballton.

   On May 17, 1945 Viola was united in marriage with Harry Sander in Minnesota. Three children were born to this union. Viola and Harry made their home in Elk Horn and Viola worked at Crystal Springs Creamery, E. H. Brand Eggs, Elim Children’s Home for 11 years and Shelby County State Bank for 25 years. While she worked at the bank, Viola also worked as a nurse’s aide at Salem Lutheran Homes, and continued that work until the age of 78.

   Viola was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church and had been the treasurer of the Sunday School and Women’s Group. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served on the Elk Horn Town Council. She enjoyed embroidery, china painting and her time as Tivoli Queen. In addition, she loved baking and teaching her granddaughters how to cook and bake. Viola took great pride in teaching her grandchildren how to drive a car.

   Harry died August 16, 1965 and Viola continued to live in their home in Elk Horn. After selling their home she lived in the Four Plex apartment. When she could no longer live alone she moved to Salem Lutheran Homes in 2006 where she died on Sunday, January 24, 2016 at the age of 92 years,

   Viola’s is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother LaVern Hansen and half brothers Belmont and Eddie Olson. She is survived by her children Terry Sander and wife Neta of Elk Horn, Sara J. and husband Richard Mardesen of Elk Horn, and Carol and husband David Bartlet of Chandler, AZ; eight grandchildren Michael Sander, Elise and husband Eric Juelsgaard, Allison Buckholdt and husband Jamie, Heath Mardesen and wife Shelly; Adam Mardesen; Katie and husband Tony Schmelzer; Brett Bartlet and Kyle Bartlet; 12 great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Of all the things in this world, including emeralds, big houses, and fancy cars, friends are by far the best. Be a good friend always.           ~Viola

Reverend Keith Menter

Reverend Paul M. Reynolds

Music

“I Know Who Holds Tomorrow”

“What A Friend We Have In Jesus”

Congregation

“The Lord’s Prayer”     “How Great Thou Art”

Rev. Keith Menter, Soloist

Janell Hansen, Accompanist

Casket Bearers

Viola’s Grandchildren

Michael Sander     Elise Juelsgaard

Allison Buckholdt     Heath Mardesen  

Adam Mardesen     Katie Schmelzer

Brett Bartlet     Kyle Bartlet