Vivian Garske

A long life is often filled with many joys as well as sorrows. The tenacity that prevailed throughout the life of Vivian Garske saw her through times of struggle where she learned the value of a hard earned dollar and a strong work ethic. In her life, Vivian enjoyed the love of family by her side. An independent woman by nature, she found true joy and contentment in her home. Always one to help others, Vivian leaves a life well lived, filled with abounding memories that will be cherished by those she loved and cared for.

The year 1914 brought much change as American culture was quickly evolving, and the threat of World War I loomed overseas. Henry Ford astounded the business world when he began paying workers $5 a day, and Hollywood is deemed the world’s film center. But in the quiet Nebraska town of Mount Clare, the headlines of the day didn’t compare to the joy that Adrian Morey and Mable Randall experienced when on December 31, they welcomed the birth of a little girl they named Vivian.

After moving to Kansas, the family eventually moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan when Vivian was 8 years old. She grew up being quite adored and spoiled by her half brother Merle, and half sister Gladys, not to mention their father, who was quite a lenient man. At an early, age, Vivian developed quite a sweet tooth that remained with her forever. She also disliked vegetables of any sort, and being the strong willed child that she was, her father didn’t make her eat them either.

Vivian was naturally a very independent girl. Like most young people of the time, she left school after the 9th grade, often sneaking out of the house in the evenings to take in the local dances. During these years, she was almost inseparable from her best friend, Pauline Kelly. The two found their fair share of mischief as young teenage girls, but a lasting friendship was formed and great memories were made. Times were lean as the Great Depression cast a shadow the world over, but Vivian learned lessons during these years of struggle that she carried with her, her whole life through.

Vivian met a young man named August Garske. The two began dating, and in Battle Creek, they married on November 14, 1932. She was only 18 years old at the time. Vivian was thrilled with the births of her two daughters, Silver Lee and Nancy. Unlike her childhood, Vivian placed loving guidelines upon her children, and could be rather strict at times. She also made her girls eat their vegetables. Vivian found balance in caring for others. She valued experiences of earlier years, and became quite frugal. She was one to manage finances well, and taught her children and later, grandchildren, the same.

Vivian’s family was foremost in her life. She relished Sunday dinner get-togethers as well as holidays spent in the company of those she loved. As a whole, the Garske family was large in number, and on more than one occasion, the entire family gathered at the house on England Lake for reunions. In 1963, Vivian experienced the death of August, but with the support of family and her co-workers, she persevered. Spending time with her beloved grandchildren was a great comfort to her during these days. Vivian loved being a grandmother, and took every opportunity she could to spoil them.

In 1968, Vivian decided to move to Orangeville to complete a home that she and August had begun building before his death. This home became Vivian’s pride and joy; it was her sanctuary, and in it she found great contentment throughout the years. She was meticulous in its appearance, and found great enjoyment working in her flower gardens.

Vivian worked for the Kroger Grocery Store. For over the 22 years she worked there and she worked her way up to assistant head cashier. Vivian possessed a strong work ethic, and passed this valuable trait on to her children and grandchildren as well.

In her spare time, Vivian enjoyed reading a good mystery novel, and along with flower gardening, she enjoyed sewing too. With a talent for crocheting, Vivian made sure each family member received a special blanket she made, especially for them. Her home also provided time to enjoy feeding and watching the birds. She liked animals, and for 18 years, was especially fond of her cat Frankie that she cared for. With a love for traveling, Vivian made some memorable trips out west and to the east coast, but her most treasured trip was to Europe and visiting Germany.

August’s death created a void in Vivian’s life. She later became reacquainted with longtime friend, Jack Decker. Throughout the years, Vivian and Jack did much together, which made for wonderful companionship and memorable times in each other’s company. Vivian cared for Jack, and lovingly took care of him until his death in 1991. The years also began to take their toll on Vivian. Her independent nature and strong will allowed her to remain in the home that she so dearly loved, but she began to slow down her pace. Around 2003, Vivian began exhibiting signs of dementia. It was extremely important to her that she remain at home, and her loving family was committed in making this possible. With the help and love of family, and some outside assistance as well, Vivian was able to fulfill her wish. Sadly, she died at her beloved home in Orangeville on Friday, April 3, 2009, at the age of 94.

Members of her family include her daughters, Silver Lee Garske and Nancy (Dan) Plouffe, half daughter Georgia Drenth; 7 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and 6 great great-grandchildren. Besides her husband August, Vivian was preceded in death by a grandchild, a brother and a sister. Learn more about Vivian, view her Life Story film, visit with her family and friends and share light refreshments on Tuesday from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 8 at the same location. Please visit Vivian’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the Cancer Society or the Commission for the Blind.