Viola Kollath

Viola Kollath, 93, died at Hillview Terrace Assisted Living on March 14, 2014, in La Crosse, WI. She was born on August 3, 1920, in rural Wausau to Gustav and Matilda Wiegandt. She married Ernest Kollath on September 10, 1938. Together they farmed until 1960 in the town of Hewitt and moved to Wausau. He preceded her in death in 1995. In 2013, Viola moved to La Crosse to be near her family.

Viola is survived by one daughter, Patricia (Gerald) McHenry of La Crosse; grandson, Jay (Kelly) McHenry of Marian, Indiana; granddaughters, Kimberly (David) Sims of Holmen and Julia (Kenneth) Thompson of Fall Creek; great-grandchildren, Katlyn, Kendall, and Jake McHenry, Casey and Lydia Sims, and Ellie and Jack Thompson; Goddaughter, Jane Schulz; nieces and nephews; and special friends, Joanne, Eunice, and Mary.

Viola is also preceded in death by her brothers, Ed, Herbert (Elsie), Lawrence (Dorothy), and Victor; and sisters, Edna (Harry) Krueger and Mamie (Gilbert) Hintze.

A homemaker all of her life, Viola was known for her pies and cookies enjoyed by the family and shared with neighbors. She loved flowers and gardening, and was present for all the family gatherings in La Crosse.

A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2014, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 930 Edgewood Road, Wausau, with Rev. Nancy Russell officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.

You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.

The family would like to thank the devoted staff at Hillview Terrace for their compassionate care, the Gunderson Health Center Hospice team for all their dedication and support, the many care givers who provided 24-hour care, and the pastors at Olivet Lutheran Church who assisted the family in the end of life journey.