Vivian Lucille "Viver" Ostenson (Anderson)

Vivian L. Ostenson (Viver), a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend left this earth on February 23, 2015 to join her loving husband in heaven. She departed peacefully following complications from open heart surgery. We are deeply saddened, but are confident she had a joyful reunion with Roy, to whom she was married for 63 years before his passing.

Vivian was born to Fern (Leonard) and Elmer Anderson on December 12, 1921 in Chippewa Falls, WI. Following her high school graduation, she worked at the Wisconsin Northern Center as a stenographer. She and her future husband, Roy, were both avid fishermen. When they met she had her own outboard motor, which was very rare back then. Of course, Roy found this to be a very attractive quality in Viver.

Mom married our sweet dad, Roy, in Minneapolis, MN on March 30, 1946. Together they were extraordinary parents to Mary, Nancy and Roy, Jr. They lived in Chippewa Falls before moving to Bloomer where Roy was a teacher and principal. Viv cared for her family while working from her home painting aerial photographs. She later worked outside the home for Barthen Photography, The Northern Center and as a dispatcher for the Bloomer Police Department.

Viv loved listening to Danny O'Donnell and entertaining her family and friends at her Long Lake cabin. She was an excellent seamstress, spent many hours refinishing furniture, had a wonderful collection of antiques and angels, and was constantly clipping articles and recipes for her family as she "paged through" magazines. She was a Cub Scout leader, delivered Meals on Wheels, assisted at the food pantry, sang in the church choir, attended monthly gatherings with her high school friends from Chippewa Falls, cancer support group meetings and Women's Club. Family was her first priority. "Gram" adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and taught them many life lessons, including the importance of nightly prayers. She prepared for their visits with homemade soup, German potato salad, doughboys, "eggins", fresh bread, hidden treasure chocolate sheet cake, or red jello (always knowing their personal preferences). She kept in touch daily with her family just to "check in" and was never without her cell phone. She will certainly be missed at the card table, playing a game of Tick.

Vivian was generous to family, but thrifty with herself. She loved going to garage sales, hung her clothes on the line regardless of the weather, and repurposed everything that came into her house. She maintained her driver's license and enjoyed trips to the store/ bakery several times a week, always in search of a bargain. She was a strong, determined, sentimental, and practical woman. A life well lived and a woman well loved. We miss her dearly, but the lessons she taught remain. Mom's circle of life is complete. May we be better people because of her. FLY WITH THE ANGELS!

Vivian is survived by her children, Mary (Richard Carlson), Nancy (Mike Kapszukiewicz), Dr. Roy (Jing Liu); grandchildren, Tom Carlson (Larissa), Todd Carlson (Michelle), Amy Carlson Phillips (Stan), Katie Corder (Al), Scott Kapszukiewicz, Jake Ostenson; great-grandchildren, Kevin, Justin, Hannah and Jack Carlson, Tony and Kayla Carlson, Jack and Kade Phillips, Teigan and Ethan Corder; great-great grandchild, Tanner Carlson. Survivors also include her "baby" sister Audrey Freagon; She is further survived by many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy; brother, George Anderson and sister, Helen Rosing; and many wonderful friends.
Per Vivian's request, a graveside service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com.
Those we hold most dear never truly leave us... they live on in the kindness they showed, the comfort they shared and the love they brought into our lives. -Isabel Norton
"We love you, God bless you, and sweet dreams"