Mrs. ViviAnn Williamsen's Obituary
ViviAnn Lucille Williamsen (nee Johnson) died April 17, 2014. She is now in the arms of her beloved Lord. ViviAnn was born on July 29, 1919. Vivi graduated from Muskegon High School. She also graduated from Lutheran Bible Institute. Additionally, Vivi took course work at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.
Vivi met the love of her life in Detroit at a Luther League convention when she was 16 years old. The two were married in Fort Leonard Wood at the beginning of the US involvement of World War II. Vivi worked in Muskegon during the war to support the war effort. This was not the only time she was separated from her husband. They were also separated during the Korean conflict and the Vietnam conflict. After her husband was ordained, the army called him to return to the military as a chaplain. Vivi took her role as pastor’s/chaplain’s wife very seriously. They were clearly a ministerial team. Wherever the army took them, Vivi made a home. She was a surrogate mother for all the soldiers she came in contact with. She turned each chapel into a parish and treated all who came with much kindness. Whenever Vivi made a special meal, she would always pack up a plate or two for shut-ins in the neighborhood.
Vivi taught third grade while living in Maryland. She was a great teacher and teaching was one of the proud accomplishments of her life. However, her job as mother was her primary role and commitment. She was not afraid to speak to authorities and put them in their place whenever there was a concern about her children. She was a good mother. She loved her children and her children loved her. Vivi’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her much joy. There was never a loss for love in the Williamsen household.
Vivi was a sought after speaker. She shared openly of her experiences with the military, especially during those years living in West Berlin. She often remembered how she had to keep suitcases packed and ready to go (while in West Berlin), in the event that the military would evacuate the families.
Vivi was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Oscar, her brother and 3 sisters. She is survived by her children Thomas (Faye) and Joanne; three grandchildren Kaaren, Michelle (John), and Erik (Carolyn). Vivi also had four great-grandchildren Emma and Luke (through Michelle); Sylvia, and Lila (through Erik). She is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was a wonderful friend and was dearly loved by those who knew her.
A FUNERAL SERVICE will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1132 Southern Ave., with Rev. John Ferra and Larry Foster co-officiating. VISITATION will be Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd.
231-759-8565
INTERMENT will be in Restlawn Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
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