Viola "Vi" Eklund, 99, Ada, MN, died Thursday, June 9, 2016, at the Benedictine Care Community, Ada, MN.

Viola Margaret Wichern was born August 2, 1916, at the home of her parents Charley and Ida (Felske) Wichern on a farm in Pleasant View Township, rural Ada. She was baptized and confirmed in the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Pleasant View Township. Vi attended school at Washington School District 54. She graduated from Ada High School, in 1934, and Normal Teachers training in Ada. She taught rural schools in Norman County for seven years.

Viola was united in marriage to Gust Eklund on December 30, 1939, at the Lockhart Parsonage. Together, they farmed north of Ada until 1947, when they moved to Gully, MN, and managed a CO-OP General Store. In 1949, they moved back to Ada and purchased Bangs Market, which they converted into a meat processing business. Vi continued working with Gust until they sold the store in 1972. Vi and Gus celebrated their 50th anniversary early in October of 1989, due to weather concerns. Shortly afterward, Gus died in a tragic accident while farming. Vi began working for Montgomery Sales Co. in Ada and also worked for the election board for several years. Vi was able to live at home until 2014, when she moved to Benedictine Care Community.

Vi and Gust enjoyed fishing and spending time at their lake cabin on Strawberry Lake. They also liked to go dancing. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday School for many years. She also made many quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Vi looked forward to a cup of coffee with her friends at the Senior Center, and loved playing pinochle.

Vi is survived by her son, Daniel, Ada, MN; grandson, Chad (Teri) Eklund, Ada, granddaughter, Angela Sager, Fargo, ND; great grandchildren: Parker and Isaac Sager, Devin Eklund, and a step great-grandson, Nik Sargent; one brother-in-law, Donald Eklund; and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gust, sisters, Verna Evenstad, Mabel Ruch, and Dee Gilsoul, and a daughter-in-law, Claire Eklund.

Funeral: 11:00AM, Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN.

Visitation: Tuesday, June 14th from 5:00-7:00PM, at Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Home, Ada, MN.

Burial: Pleasant View Cemetery, Lockhart, MN.