Vivian Kay Wandling, 25 Jul 1942 – 23 Jan 2013

WANDLING, KOENIG, KAHLER, LIVENGOOD, COOLING, FREEZE

Posted By: Sandy Ficken (email)
Date: 2/11/2013 at 14:37:45

Vivian Wandling, 70

Funeral service for Vivian K. Wandling, 70, formerly of Marengo, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at First Methodist Church, Marengo. She died Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Peachtree Christian Hospice, Duluth, Ga., following complications from abdominal surgery.

The Rev. Parks will officiate at the service.

Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60631 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be left at www.klosterfuneralhome.com.

Vivian Kay Wandling was born July 25, 1942, the daughter of Frederick and Mildred [Kahler] Koenig. She grew up on a farm east of Marengo, received part of her primary education in the one room school nearby and then went to Marengo Public School where she graduated in 1960.

Following graduation she was employed by Great Plains Gas Company, Cedar Rapids, for two years.

She married her high school sweetheart, Larry Wandling, June 3, 1961. Following his college graduation in 1962, they began a 22 year career in the United States Air Force. She loved this life of travel, moving and making new friends throughout the U.S. and in Germany. Daughter Laurie joined the twosome in 1969 and Lisa arrived in 1973. Her beautiful daughters brought new meaning to her life. She was totally dedicated to their upbringing. She was active in their early education while serving as a room mother for several years and as an active member of several PTAs.

Their last military assignment was in Florida, where they spent the next 25 years. Being settled gave her the opportunity to get her bachelor’s degree, a goal she had for many years. She met this task with her normal enthusiasm and commitment so it was not surprising when she graduated with high honors and membership in the prestigious national honor society Phi Kappa Phi. With degree in hand, she started her own career outside the home.
She was an integral member of the firm B3H Corporation, Shalimar, Fla., in their administration of government contracts. She worked there for over 20 years, helping the firm grow from the two founders and herself into an organization employing hundreds throughout several states.

In 2005, she retired and the couple moved to the Atlanta area. The seven years they had there were some of her happiest. She was able to pursue many hobbies including scrapbooking and collecting butterpats and teapots. Also, she was able to become a full time partner in the antiquarian book business they jointly formed in 1998. She loved the associated travel, from Boston to San Francisco and St. Petersburg to Chicago. Many new and very close friendships were formed during this time.

In 2012 she again faced a medical crisis that was ultimately responsible for taking her life. Her battle was courageous, her brave heart and indomitable spirit would not give up until she was overwhelmed by complications. All who knew Vivian will miss her ready smile and her kind, caring and gentle manner.

Wandling is survived by her husband of 51 years, LtCol Larry Wandling, USAF (Ret), formerly of Marengo, Lawrenceville, Ga.; two daughters, Laurie and Dr. Bryan Livengood, Lexington, Ky., and their two sons, Josh and Kyle, and Lisa and Joe Cooling, Roswell, Ga., and their two daughters, Lindsey and Lauren; her mother, Mildred Koenig, Walker; one sister, Marilyn and Jim Freeze, Walker; one brother, Allen and Julie Koenig, rural Marengo; eight nephews and nieces and many more great-nephews and great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her father.

[By submitter]

Williamsburg Journal Tribune, 31 Jan 2013, The Gazette, 29 Jan 2013