Viola D. Correll

VIOLA DOROTHEA BOWMAN CORRELL was born on November 28, 1919 to John and Elsie (Schuldt) Schlapkohl, Jr. on a farm located in Rock County, MN. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Hardwick, MN and confirmed May 31, 1936 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Jasper, MN. Viola was raised on various farms located throughout Rock and Pipestone County. She also resided with her family in Ihlen, MN for a few years. She attended schools in Rock and Pipestone County through the eighth grade and then attended Jasper High School for one year from 1935 – 1936. At age 16, she went to work in various homes, including the Creeger home, helping care for families’ children. On March 11, 1939, Viola was united in marriage to Bernard Bowman at the First Lutheran Church parsonage in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple farmed in Rock County. In 1963 they moved to Luverne, MN. Viola worked as a caregiver at the Rock County Farm, as a cook and caterer with the Blue Mound Inn and as a nursing aide at the Good Samaritan Society – Mary Jane Brown Home. Her last and most enjoyable job was working as a nursery aide at Luverne Community Hospital where she helped over 600 babies enter the world. Viola formally retired in 1981, but continued on caregiving to others in her retirement years. Bennie preceded Viola in death in 1985. Viola continued to reside in Luverne. On July 8, 1989 she was united in marriage to Dale Correll at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Dale preceded Viola in death in 1997. In December of 2009, Viola became a resident at the Tuff Memorial Home in Hills, MN. Surrounded by family on Monday, May 27, 2013, Viola went to join her heavenly family at the age of 93 years, five months and 29 days.

Viola was a member at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne. Through the years, she was active in church circles, taught Bible lessons and participated in the “after 60’s” fellowship group. She enjoyed reading, fishing for bullheads, playing cards (especially pinochle), completing puzzles and traveling. Her very favorite activity was going to her grandchildren’s events especially baptisms, birthday parties, and she loved dancing at their weddings.

Viola is lovingly survived by her daughter, Linda (Roy) Moeller of Hardwick, MN; step-sons, Dean (Mary) Correll of Minot, ND, and Roger (Libby) Correll of Bremerton, WA; daughter-in-law, Anne Bowman of Sioux Falls; six grandchildren, Sheree (Perry) George, Kayleen (Douglas) Erie, David (Bryce Nixon) Moeller, Michelle (Scott) Kluge, Dennette (Arnold) Marks, Kari (Tim) Flachman; five step-grandchildren, Pam (Paul) Stroklund, Debi (Jim) Fawcett, Dennis (Kathy) Correll, Lori (Joshua) Carpenter, and Christin (Mark) Maberry; 15 great-grandchildren, Jenna, Ryan, Sigrid, Laura Viola, Carolyn, Christopher, Austin, Luke, Audrey, Elise, Grace, Josiah, Caleb, Jordan and Nathan; nine step-great-grandchildren, Melissa, Jenny, Katie, Tyrell, Samantha, Kyleigh, Caroline, Lyla and Matthew; one great-great-grandson, Tatum; five step-great-great-grandchildren, Jayden, Mason, Branson, Zoey and Hailey; a sister, Ruth Schultz, and other family. She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Bernard Bowman and Dale Correll; two infant twin sons, Verlyn and Merlyn; and son, Dennis Bowman; two brothers, Harry and Vernon Schlapkohl; and one sister, Lucille Erdmann.

Memorials may be directed to: First Presbyterian Church of Luverne (Deacon’s Fund)