Viola Otilie Hulda Geistfeld

Viola Otilie Hulda Becker was born on August 5, 1913 to William and Emma Heckman Becker at home in South Branch Township, rural St. James, MN. She was joined to Christ in Holy Baptism on August 24, 1913 and confirmed on May 29, 1927 at St. John's Lutheran Church-South Branch where she was an active member for 67 years. She attended school at Dist. 27 and St. John's Lutheran Christian Day School. On April 10, 1932 Viola was united in marriage to Victor Geistfeld at St. John's Lutheran Church-South Branch. They farmed for 46 years four miles west of Lewisville, MN. In September of 1978 they retired and moved to Truman. As a result of ill health, Viola moved to the Keystone Community Assisted Living in Mankato in October of 2007, where she remained until her death. Viola was an active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid. She was a member of the Primrose Garden Club, South Branch Extension Club, Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the Truman Lutheran Retirement Home Auxiliary. She enjoyed doing volunteer work at the Lutheran Retirement Home. She continued to enjoy embroidering and playing cards. Victor and Viola traveled extensively throughout the United States. They especially enjoyed visiting children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Viola died on Monday, June 30, 2008 at Immanuel-St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato. Viola is survived by four sons, Ronald (Annette), Tucson, AZ, Ernest (Ione), North Mankato, MN, Loren (Carol), Columbus, OH, James (Barbara) Red Hook, New York; one daughter, Valeria, Bluffton, SC; 16 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; one sister, Verona Vogt, Sauk Centre, MN and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Victor; and brothers, Lorenz and Marvin. Memorial contributions may be given to Martin Luther High School or to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.