Obituary of Viola Heller

Viola J. Heller, 96, formerly of Vesper, died Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at the Wisconsin Rapids Nursing and Rehab Center under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Friday September 14, 2012 at St. James Catholic Church, Vesper. Father Chester Osowski and Father Robert Nelson will officiate. Burial will be in St. James Catholic Cemetery following the funeral mass. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM on Friday until the time of services at the church. Viola was born June 18, 1916 in Wisconsin Rapids to the late James and Johanna (Benish) Mras. While in high school she took the train down to Chicago for the 1934 World?s Fair, Viola graduated the following year from Lincoln High School (Old East High). After graduating, she worked as a waitress and housekeeper in Wisconsin Rapids. On May 25, 1946, Viola was married to the love of her life Leonard Heller at St. James Catholic Church in Vesper. Viola and Leonard celebrated 54 wonderful years together before his death on March 12, 2001. Viola was a woman of deep and unshakable faith; she lived her Christian teaching through her actions in her church and community. She was the organist and sacristan at St. James Catholic Church for 45 years, and a member of the PCCW. In 2008, Viola received the Woman of Light Award for her dedication and service to the church. While in Vesper, she attended mass and prayed the rosary daily. Her care for others did not stop at church, Viola also participated in every community event from supporting firefighters to helping those less fortunate. On March 10, 2008 she moved into the Care Center in Wisconsin Rapids and Viola continued her on the go attitude. Viola participated in activities daily, especially enjoying bingo, music time and watching the Packers and Brewers. Viola is survived by her daughter, Elaine (Kenneth) Fredrick of Wisconsin Rapids; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is preceded in death by her son, Marvin. A very special word of thanks needs to go to the aids and nurses that took care of Viola on Deer Trails., you truly are angels that walk among us. The activities group at WR Nursing and Rehab needs special recognition and thanks for all of the happiness that you brought to Viola. The nurses of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, thank you for your compassionate care of Viola and her family in her last days.