READ, Emma "Viola" (Stout) 1913-2016

READ, STOUT

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/4/2016 at 19:14:52

Viola Stout Read was born on the family farm near Jewell, Iowa, on May 7, 1913. She was the seventh of ten children of Swen and Inger (Omvig) Stout.

Her parents chose the name Emma Viola, however her brother, Clarence, then 6 ½, preferred Viola, which she has been ever since. Viola was baptized and confirmed at Bethesda Lutheran Church in Jewell, and attended country school, and then Jewell High School, graduating in 1931. She was an excellent student and a basketball star. Her father bragged about her scoring ability. After graduation she helped at home and at her sisters’ homes when new babies were born.

On February 23, 1935, she married Weldon Read, a nearby farmer, and they moved onto a farm owned by his father. To this union, four children were born: Carol, Jimmie, who died at birth, Mary Alice, who died in a house fire at the age of two, and William Lynn. Vi was a true helpmate, being the right hand for Weldon, who lost his hand in a corn picker accident in 1944. She spent many hours in the fields and holding wrenches as he repaired his own machinery. Together they raised laying hens, so every evening there were eggs to wash and pack for sale.

In 1948, the couple purchased a farm east of Northwood. In 1958, Viola drew plans for their new home, which they enjoyed until 1972, when, because of Weldon’s health, they sold the farm and retired to a home in Carpenter. After Weldon’s death, she lived there, until 1992, when she moved into a retirement apartment in Northwood. She spent her last year with Carol and Allan.

Few people knew of Viola’s many talents. She was an accomplished seamstress, and even did professional drapery work for several years. Vi was sewing many of her own clothes, especially tailored suits, until nearly her one hundredth birthday. She provided many outfits for her granddaughters and one year, made seven plaid, flannel, western shirts with pearl snaps for Christmas for the grandsons. A special memory are the wedding dresses for her daughter and two granddaughters, and bridesmaids dresses for all five granddaughters’ weddings.

Viola began to paint with oils during a winter in Arizona, and after returning home, took lessons in Norwegian Rosemaling. Family member cherish samples of her work. She liked to read, especially newspapers and Robert Frost poetry. She spent time doing New York Times crosswords puzzles, playing cards and games with grandchildren and great grandchildren, and continued to enjoy sports. She attended many of her grandchildren’s football, basketball, and track events. She was a bowler, and she enjoyed watching sports on TV, most recently, golf. Though she never played, she was a fan of Tiger.

Viola was an active member of Deer Creek Lutheran Church in Carpenter, where she served as a past officer of WELCA and Martha Circle. She was also a past member of the Lutheran Retirement Home board and a longtime member of the Ina Rebecca Lodge.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Weldon, in 1976; three children: Jimmie, Mary Alice, and Bill; four brothers: Emil, Alfred, Clarence, and Arthur; and five sisters: Ida, Myrtle, Gertrude, Gladys, and Mildred.

Those left to cherish her memory are: her daughter Carol and husband, Allan Johnson; daughter-in-law Gail Read; ten grandchildren: Mark & Pam Johnson of Maurice, Iowa, Greg Johnson of Spencer, Iowa, Wendy & Todd Henrichs of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kris & Dave Keene of Hartley, Iowa, Paula & Joel Buenger of Everly, Iowa, Scott & Lisa Johnson of Hartley, Iowa, Laurie & Kurt Kenny of Schaller, Iowa, Mike & DeAnn Read of Northwood, Amy & Mark Wallin of Alden, Minnesota, and Ben & Amanda Read of Duluth, Minnesota. Twenty great grandchildren: Matt & Melissa, and Brad Johnson, Leah Johnson, Trent Johnson, and Danielle & Michael Gathercole, Grady Henrichs, Chad & Dani Keene, Brent & Leah Keene, and Jenna Keene, Andrew Buenger, Kyle & Jodi Johnson, Holly Johnson, Jason, Zach, and Rachel Kenny, Joey and Justin Read, Spencer, Jacob, and Ryan Wallin; and eight great great grandchildren; Colten and Kaydee Crumbaugh, Benton and Lilian Keene, Gracen Keene, Ayden Johnson, Keegan Hutchinson & Bennett Jeske.

Memorials may be directed to Meals on Wheels, Hospice of North Iowa, The Northwood Fire & Rescue and Deer Creek Lutheran Church.

Source: Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home website