Johansen, Viola Gertrude 1923-2020

WARREN, MATTAS, JOHANSEN

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 5/9/2020 at 08:15:20

Viola Gertrude Johansen, 97, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2020 at Accura Healthcare in Le Mars Iowa.

The Family will hold a private graveside ceremony at a future date. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars, Iowa.

Viola Gertrude Warren was born January 22,1923 in Merrill, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Gertrude Warren. Viola attended school in Merrill along with her little sister Muriel Edith Warren and worked on the family farm. The family moved to Le Mars when Viola was a teenager.

She was united in marriage to Harry (Chub) Mattas on March 12th, 1941. Viola and Chub settled in Le Mars to begin their life together. Viola worked for many years at the Fareway Grocery Store in town as a cashier and at a few department stores at various times throughout the years. They both resided at the house on site at the City of Le Mars Municipal Park and Golf Course for several years when Chub was the Park Manager. They were long time members of the Brunsville American Legion and Le Mars Eagles clubs. They drove many long trips to Tampa Florida over the years to visit her sister and family where they enjoyed the local food, beaches, sites and entertainment in the area, including Busch Gardens. Chub passed away at the age of 67 on August 21, 1975.

Viola married for a second time on August 29, 1977 to Jens (Bud) Johansen. Viola and Bud spent many happy years together. During their marriage they also made many trips to Florida to be with family for an extended time and enjoy the milder winters. Bud passed away on September 26, 1997.

Viola was fortunate to have been married to two wonderful men who loved her very much. Viola liked to grow vegetables and crocheted many beautiful quilts that she gave to family and friends. Prior to becoming a resident of Accura Healthcare she spent many years volunteering at the Plymouth County Historical Museum where she was able to meet and greet many local and out of town visitors. She formed close friendships with other Museum personnel which made her days brighter. She enjoyed this time of her life very much!

Immediate Family survivors include her two nieces: Linda Kern of Tampa and Cynthia (Cindy) Williams of Tampa, a great niece Kimberly Kolker Hatton (Jason) and two great-great nephews Ty Hatton and Dylan Hatton of Houston Texas. She leaves behind friends Judy Bowman, Julie Leaverton, Norma Martfield and Jim and Joan Roepke all which live in Le Mars Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Gertrude Warren, her first husband Harry “Chub” Mattas, her second husband Jens “Bud” Johansen, her beloved sister Muriel Warren Williams and Muriel’s husband A.T. Williams Jr. She was also preceded in death by the recent passing of friends Eddie Martfield and Allene “Ali” Schreuder, both of LeMars.