Viola May Bertelson's Obituary
Viola May Bertelson
RACINE—Viola May Bertelson (nee: Voge), 88, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Friday, January 22, 2016 at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – All Saints.
Viola was born in Racine to the late Leslie and Ruth (nee: Higgins) Voge on October 21, 1927. She was united in marriage to Donald James Bertelson in Racine at Bethany Methodist Church on November 1, 1947 by Rev. Edward Erickson.
Viola was very involved in the community. She was a Special Olympics chaperone who was devoted to working with special needs children and watching them progress. As a volunteer she was also involved with the Red Cross, Careers Industries Inc., and ARC. Viola gave swimming and driving lessons. Driving was important to her; she loved to travel across Wisconsin. Viola also volunteered as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She was an incredible homemaker and cook, and she enjoyed entertaining guests. As a lover of music, she sang to herself while cooking.
Viola will be dearly missed by her children, Lois (Richard) Langdon, Betty J. Ringer, and LeRoy Bertelson; grandchildren, Lori (Russ) Karow, Alan (Laura) Langdon, Jeffrey Pitchford, and Jeremy (Tracy) Pitchford; great-great-grandchildren, Justin Blaesing, Caleb Langdon, Conor Langdon, Jordon Pitchford, Brooklyn Pitchford, Gavin Pitchford, and Ashley Storey; great-great-great-granddaughter, Aleigha Storey; brothers and sisters, Joanne (Rudy) Topolovec, Mardell (Wayne) Fuller, Rita (Gerald) Molitor, and Karl (Kathy) Voge. Viola also leaves behind many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Viola was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Bertelson; and brothers, Glenn (Jeanette) Voge and Gordon Voge.
Funeral services for Viola will be held on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 at 12 Noon at Christ United Methodist Church with Pastor George Kafer officiating. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at Wilson Funeral Home from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on Wednesday at the church from 11:00 AM until the time of service at Noon. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Memorials may be directed to Christ United Methodist Church, Careers Industries Inc., or Racine Special Olympics. Condolences may be shared at www.wilsonfuneralhomeinc.com.
The family would like to thank the staff at Ridgewood Care Center and the staff on the 3rd floor at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Healthcare for their kind and compassionate care of Viola and the family. The family would also like to thanks Society’s Assets Inc. for their exceptional home care.
What’s your fondest memory of Viola?
What’s a lesson you learned from Viola?
Share a story where Viola's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Viola you’ll never forget.
How did Viola make you smile?
