Violette Kildahl

Violette S Kildahl, age 95, of Crosslake MN died September 16, 2013. Vi or Auntie Vi as she was known, was born February 19, 1918 in Watertown, South Dakota, daughter of the late Wm and Ola Sue (Grinols) Olson. She graduated from high school in Henry, South Dakota during the violent dust storms. At age 18, Vi borrowed $100 from the bank ( with an old family piano as collateral), and left home taking a bus to Fergus Falls, MN to study nursing. She then continued her nursing education and career at Anchor and Gillette Hospital in St. Paul. She was united in marriage to George M. Decker on March 2, 1946. George died on March 2, 1975. She later married John (Jack) L. Kildahl on November 11, 1976. Jack died on January 2, 1990. The end of that same year, Vi moved to Crosslake to be by her family and has lived in Crosslake ever since. Vi suffered from many severe, major medical challenges during most of her life and made incredible recoveries that never ceased to amaze people. She always said, " I am so fortunate really, so many have it so much worse than me." While Vi never had children of her own, she loved, helped and cared for many, many children who all love her dearly. She continued to help people in need all her life. Vi touched so many lives in such a positive way, inspiring and giving great hope to all. Even at the very end of her days, her concern was still for others. She told those present at her bedside," I am ready to go to Heaven. I want to die with a smile on my face."
Vi passed away peacefully, free at last from her pain and blindness. Sadly, she is gone from our lives now, but will forever hold a place in our hearts and remembered always.

Vi is survived by her Step Children: John (Jeannie) Decker, Ann ( John) Wagner, Barb (Marlo) Wathke, John Kildahl, Sue (Roger) Tietz, one Brother; Ted ( Mary Jane Johnson) Olson; two Sisters: Polly Lundeen and Betty Olson. She was preceded in death by: her parents; Wm and Ola Sue Olson; her two husbands; George Decker and John Kildahl, three brothers; William (Billy), Lee, Roger and two sisters: Frances and Mary Louise.

Services will be held at Crosslake Lutheran Church in Crosslake, Minnesota on Saturday September 21, 2013
Visitation will be at 10:00 A.M. and Service will be at 11:00 A.M. with luncheon following in Fellowship Hall
Interment shall be at Lakewood Cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota on September 23, 2013 at 12:00 noon

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Habitat for Humanity, the Alzheimer's Association or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Crosslake, MN.