Viola E. Stolte

Viola Stolte was called to her heavenly home on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the Hiawatha Community Hospital. The Lord blessed her with 81 years and 3 months. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 2, at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS. The Rev. David Gruoner officiated. Eunice Beier played the organ while Shelley McClain sang “Old Rugged Cross”. The congregation sang “Abide With Me” and “Rock of Ages”. Pallbearers were Lance Hilton, Brandon Walter, Chad Hilton, Brian Fries, Douglas Meyer and Robert Frerking. Burial was in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery. On February 29, 1928, the Lord blessed Emil and Della Boerger Damman of Palmer, Kansas with the gift of a daughter whom they named Viola Eileen Damman. She was baptized into the saving faith of Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior March 4, 1928. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Palmer. Viola attended school in Palmer. She confirmed her faith in Jesus Christ in the rite of confirmation on March 29, 1942 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church under Pastor Henry Kolm. On July 21, 1945, she was united in marriage to Ernest Stolte at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn by Rev. W.G. Biel. Four children were born to this union; Pauline, Carol, Betty and Gary. Viola spent her early years working at the Washington County Creamery and worked as a waitress and cook in local restaurants. Vi and Ernie operated the Palmer Cafe from 1966-1970. After selling the restaurant, they retired to their farm at the edge of Linn. In June 1995 they sold the farm and moved into Linn. In October of 2004, Vi moved to Hiawatha to be closer to her family. She was a resident at Maple Heights Nursing Facility where she made many new friends, including staff members and residents. Viola was a member Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernie on July 1, 2000; daughter, Pauline Cremer; son, Gary Stolte; great-granddaughter, Amanda Cameron; parents, Emil Damman and Della Damman Rogge; stepfather, Elwin Rogge; and sister, Shirley Meyer. Survivors include two daughters, Carol Walter and husband Larry of Hiawatha, KS, and Betty Hilton and husband Gary of Augusta, KS; six grandchildren, Paula Redelberger and husband Joey of Beverly, KS, John Cameron and wife Sheila of Salina, KS, Lance Hilton and wife Karla of Augusta, KS, Margo Fries and husband Brian of Lees Summit, MO, Brandon Walter and fiancé Jill Kay of Overland Park, KS, and Chad Hilton and wife Megan of Wichita, KS; seven great-grandchildren, Amy, Danielle, Kelsey, Drake, Aidan, Tiffany and Paige; three step-great-grandchildren, Amanda, Brittany and Lauren; sister, Marcine Duensing and husband Arlin of Marysville, KS; and sister-in-law, Helen Stolte of Greeley, CO; and a host of nieces and nephews. A memorial fund has been established to the American Cancer Society/Maple Heights Relay for Life Team or Zion Lutheran Church. (Linn or Hiawatha) Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Viola E. Stolte, please visit our flower store.