Violet Edith Chilstrom, lovingly known to her family as GG, died January 25, 2022 at the age of 100.

She was born June 29, 1921 to Edith and Edward Demulling at their family farm in East Farmington, Wisconsin, weighing only a little over two pounds. She was special then, and extra special ever since.

Violet was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 50 years, Lyle; sister, Adine Jasperson; four brothers, Irving (infant death), Merlin, Arlin, and Leland; and son-in-law, Patrick Rowe. Vi was the last surviving family member of her generation.

She was baptized and confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church, East Farmington, and grew up on the family farm. She enjoyed helping with the farm chores and making sure her work was up to par and would please her parents. She was always having fun with sister, Adine, and friends.

After graduating from the Osceola, Wisconsin High School she worked at various retail stores, including Koch’s Store in Osceola and the Golden Rule in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Violet met her husband, Lyle, at a dance at the Dresser, Wisconsin Town Hall. He was handsome in his army uniform and she was a beauty in her new dress. He saw her from across the room and then asked her to dance. The rest is history. They were married on January 2, 1947 and music continued to be a big part of their lives, as Lyle would play his trumpet at local dances at which Violet always attended. They made their home in Lindstrom, Minnesota, where Vi continued to live, independently, until her passing.

Violet’s career included working at Ostrom’s Fairway Foods, Ben Franklin Store, and Skinner’s Dress Shop in Lindstrom, Minnesota. Eventually she was the manager at Skinner’s Dress Shop where she worked for over 30 years, and nurtured her valued friendships with co-workers and many customers years after her retirement.

Violet and Lyle enjoyed traveling, especially with Vi’s sister, Adine, and her husband, Don. She also cherished her time with family during fishing trips and family reunions. In later years she acquired many memories and stories while on cruises with her Trinity Church family and friends. She so appreciated all her family and friends and enjoyed making her famous sugar cookies for them. She was known to some as the “Cookie Lady.” No one could make better sugar cookies than Vi, because (as per her grandson) “they were made with love.” Everyone was always welcome at her house for a cup of coffee and cookies.

Vi treasured her membership at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lindstrom and was on the Trinity Welcoming Committee, inspiring many new members. Vi also helped many hours at church making quilts, preparing the bulletins, and helping in the church office. She worked along with her good friend, Jean Kirvida, on the Lindstrom Fairview Cemetery Committee. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and a Sunday School teacher. Her faith and devotion to God was always important to her.

She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She had a “vi…vacious” personality and always made people around her feel welcomed. She made friends everywhere she went. In later years she continued her daily phone calls with special friends and relatives.

After Lyle passed, Violet stated she looked to God as her husband, who would take care of her…...always. Her positive attitude, love of God, willingness to always help, and love for family and friends was made evident by her two favorite sayings, “I am so blessed” and “I’m fine”……

She is survived by her two daughters, Judy Rud (Richard Warndahl); Patty Rowe (L. John Laver); five grandchildren--Chad Rud (Shannon); Kim Rud (Kristen); Jennifer Everson (Trever); Kelly Freet (Timothy); Michael Rowe (Kimberly); nine great grandchildren--Alyson, Mikal, Matthew, Madison, Colton, Breelyn, Patrick, James and Victoria; two great great grandchildren--Levi and Charlotte; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Last Update: Jan 28, 2022 10:59 am CST