Viola Hoemberg

Viola Esther Hoemberg, 84, of Staples, died Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Lakewood Health System Care Center's Hospice Suite in Staples.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, March 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM, with visitation one hour prior to services at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, with Father Arlie Sowada officiating.

Viola (Vi) was born May 5, 1929 in Bartlett Township, MN, to George and Sadie (Becker) Anderson. She grew up on the family farm in rural Bertha/Verndale and graduated in 1947 from Verndale High School. She married Clarence Joseph Hoemberg on February 16, 1952 in Staples where they made their home and she raised their 5 sons while working at the Mary Rondorf Nursing Home. Her husband was transferred by the railroad to Dilworth in 1972 and she moved there in 1973 where she worked at a Moorhead nursing home. During that time she also studied the art of baking and decorating cakes. The family returned to Staples in 1975 where Vi worked for United District Hospital and (nursing) Home until retiring in 1994. In retirement she continued to bake and decorate cakes.

Vi was an avid bird watcher and Minnesota Twins fan. She enjoyed crafting, cooking for family and friends, fishing, and vegetable and flower gardening. She loved decorating her home for holidays and making special order cakes, candies, and cookies. For several years she made cookies for Centennial Auditorium events where she was known as the "cookie lady."

Vi is survived by four sons: Douglas (Robin) Hoemberg of Duluth; Steven, Sr., (Margo) Hoemberg, John (Julie) Hoemberg and George Hoemberg all of Staples; one daughter-in-law Mrs. Ann Hoemberg of Blaine, MN; and one sister Joyce (Leonard) Yotter of Circle Pines/Lino Lakes, MN as well as 9 Grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, son Donald Matthew Hoemberg as well as sister Arlene Thorp and brother James Anderson. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.