The family of Viola "Vi" Schuler, 85, announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Below, the family shares some of what made her life meaningful.
Born in 1934, Viola began a life that would touch many along the way.
Viola held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
Faith gave Viola a place to stand, and a place to return to.
Viola (Vi) Schuler, 85, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019 surrounded by family and friends at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Vi was born on January 14, 1934 on her family's farm north of Dolton, South Dakota. Vi was the youngest of seven children born to David and Tena Engbrecht. As a child born during the "Dirty Thirties" on a small farm, Vi and her siblings endured many challenges, but the biggest challenge came when Vi was five years old. Her father passed away leaving her mother with seven children to raise alone. After her mother sold the family farm, Vi's family moved to Bridgewater where she continued her education. These early life events helped develop Vi's strong will, determination, and hard work ethic. As an adult and after several moves Vi settled in Sioux Falls in 1968. In 1974 Vi married Robert Schuler. After Robert's passing Vi remained in Sioux Falls, working at Littons, Holiday Inn, and Sioux Valley (Sanford) Hospital . After retiring from the hospital Vi worked part-time at Northwest (Sioux Falls) Laundromat. She continued to work past her 85th birthday. Vi's caring spirit touched many lives. She gave her time, food, and care to her neighbors, friends, and family. Her many acts of kindness will be remembered by all those she came in contact with. She loved helping others and especially loved baking treats to give away. Those preceding her in death include her husband, Bob; her mother and father; her brothers, Marvin Engbrecht and David Engbrecht; her niece, Patricia Ratzlaff, and her nephew, Gene Ratzlaff. She leaves behind her brother, Ben Engbrecht, Sioux Falls; her sisters, Esther Ratzlaff, Colorado Springs, CO; Martha Hofer, Sioux Falls; Anna Scarff, Wayland, IA; 20 nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Jean Bloemendaal, Sioux Falls. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, with a time of sharing at 6:30 on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at Heritage Funeral Home, Sioux Falls. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Baptist Church, Sioux Falls on Wednesday, June 26, at 10:30 am with burial at the Bridgewater City Cemetery at 1:30pm following the funeral. Memorials are to be directed to Trinity Baptist Church or the Children's Inn of Sioux Falls.
