Obituary
Vivian Hilda Butterfield
Vivian Hilda (Vaningan) Butterfield, born June 2, 1933 passed away February 18, 2016. It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Our dear one grew up in the Hillsboro,Wisconsin area climbing trees and working on the hay wagon of the beautiful farms of Aunt Alma and Uncle Oscar and her mother, Hilda (and Bill) Pliner. Vivian graduated from Poynette High School completing her junior and senior years together while living with her father, Joseph (and Jane) Vaningan.
Vivian married her second husband of 47 years, LeRoy (Tony) Butterfield. Together they enjoyed summer camping vacations and active membership in the French Island American Legion and LaCrosse Eagles Club. Vivian served many terms as officer in the Legion’s Auxillary. Viv and Tony liked to have a good time, sharing Saturdays out on the town, frequenting supper clubs and playing cards with friends and family. For years they cherished monthly visits and poker weekends with her brother and sister-in-law, Bud and Ruby Vaningan. Vivian will be remembered as a fantastic cook, specializing in Sunday fried chicken, homemade pies and everyone’s favorite, Twinkie delight. Her ability to single-handedly pull off holiday feasts and present a tableful of delicious dishes piping hot without a microwave was amazing. Above all else, Vivian enjoyed time with her family and loved visits, calls and cards from them.
Vivian is survived by her husband, Tony Butterfield; four children, Dale Gehri (Vickie Phillips), Kelsang Virya (Deb Gehri Gilles), Autumn (Cindy) Gehri (Jennifer Wallskog), Mary Wiedemann (Bob); six grandchildren, Mike Gehri ( Heidi), Aaron Gehri (Stacy), Sara Grebing (Don), Jacob Wiedemann, Jessyca Wiedemann, Gillian Gehri; and five great grandchildren, Logan, Alex, Patrick, Nyx, and Lucy, all whom she loved very much, and who love her in return. She is also survived by her brothers, Jim (Brenda), John (Marty), Jeff (Vicky) Vaningan;sister, Judy (Terell) Pendarvis; sister-in-law, Ruby Vaningan;brother-in-law, Gene (Butch) Whitewater; many dear extended family members and a lifetime of friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Hilda Pliner; father, Joseph Vaningan;brothers, Robert and Joseph (Bud) Vaningan; and sister, Cathy Whitewater.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the tender and skillful care Vivian received in the final weeks of her life from Hospice – Gundersen Health System, with special thanks to Shawn and Molly.
An open service will be held to celebrate Vivian’s memory at 11:00am on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Coulee Region Cremation Group, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska, Wisconsin with visitation from 10:00 am until the time of the service. Pastor Ted Dewald will officiate. All are welcome to attend.
Uncle Tony and family
Sending you are deepest sympathies at the passing of Aunt Vivian. We will miss her so much. We are glad that we got to visit with her before her passing. She was a great lady and terrific Aunt. We are sure that you have many wonderful memories to carry you through the days ahead. Please know that she is in a better place with her Savior. God’s blessings to you all. Mike & Connie.