Vivian P. Rufledt

On April 10th, surrounded by her loving family and after living a remarkable life of 100 years, we gained a heavenly angel as Vivian peacefully drifted off to her eternal resting place. 

Born in New Auburn, WI on October 20, 1923, Vivian was the daughter of Nellie and Noah Penning.  After finishing high school, Vivian went on to continue her education and training in office administration, traveling with her friends, and eventually landing back in Bloomer where she worked for many years in the office of MidAm Dairy. She married her loving husband, Emil Rufledt, on September 18, 1954 in Lindstrom, MN. She was the incredible mother to three wonderful sons (Todd, Mark, and Jan) and the best friend to her amazing daughter (Kellie). She absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren and always had a full candy drawer to share with them. Vivian was a compassionate and dedicated caretaker, whether for her aging parents who she took into her home, the neighborhood kids who always hung around, or her growing family who she was always there for.   

Vivian had a wit and humor that she effortlessly used each and every day to bring a smile to everyone’s face. She had a zest for life, fueled by a simple and calm demeanor that we all could only hope to demonstrate ourselves.  She was funny (had great jokes and silly one-liners), never took things too seriously and had such a positive outlook, and always made you feel comfortable and at home.  Vivian loved to crochet, never met a cat she didn’t love to cozy up with, and loved NBA basketball (especially if it was a team coached by Phil Jackson). She was an amazing story teller and had 100-years of incredible adventures to share.   

She was the best, and words can’t describe how special of a person Vivian was. She will be deeply missed by all those that knew her, and the happiest of memories will fill our hearts as we remember her.  As we have affectionately come to say, we should all “Live like Viv”. 

Vivian is preceded in death by her parents Nellie and Noah Penning; husband Emil Rufledt; siblings Bud (Ardis) Anderson, Lois (Louie) Hoyt, Nolan (Murial) Penning, and Evelyn (Gay) Slinde. 

She is survived by her four children Kellie (Rod) Turner; Mark (Therese) Rufledt; Jan Rufledt; and Todd (Monica) Rufledt. 

Grandchildren Emily (Adam) Bradley; Kelsey (Jesse) Zwiefelhofer; Rachel Rufledt (Andrew Skarzynksi); Randee Rufledt (Jacob Metz); Marcus (Tessa) Rufledt; Alisha Heimstead (Mitchell Heath); Melissa (Michael) Goettl, Nathan (Elizabeth) Hass, Aaron (Krista) Hass, and Jason (Eve) Hass. 

Great grandchildren Turner and Parker Bradley; Rafi and Savi Zwiefelhofer; Zoey, Izaac, and Zander Rufledt; Milo Rufledt; Mason and Mya Goettl; Vanessa and Isaac Hass; Carson and Dayne Hass. As well as many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral service will be held at Noon on Thursday April 18th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Bloomer, with a visitation starting at 10:00 am at the church. A private family burial will be held at the Bloomer City Cemetery.    

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the caring nurses and staff at Dove Healthcare in Bloomer for taking such great care of Vivian over the past few years. 

Olson Funeral Home in Bloomer is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at olsonfuneralhomebloomer.com.