Viola “Vi” Scherschligt, 92, of Wessington Springs passed away Sunday evening December 19, 2021 at the Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday May 21, 2022 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Wessington Springs. Funeral arrangements are announced by the Basham Funeral Home of Wessington Springs.
Viola Marie (Barta) Scherschligt was born December 27, 1928, to Richard and Helen (Waloch) Barta in Lesterville, SD, the third of three children. She graduated from Scotland High School and attended Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD where she received a teaching degree. She taught country school in Yankton County for one year. She married Fred Scherschligt on December 28, 1948-the year the big blizzard hit the area. They spent their honeymoon in the upstairs room of her grandmother’s house.
Vi and Fred moved to Woonsocket in the summer of 1956 where they ran the Mobil Station. Vi was a stay-at-home mom to their four children and also kept books for the business. She later worked at the Jo-Jo Department store.
The family moved to Wessington Springs in 1970. Vi worked at the hospital as an aide for many years and when she retired helped out with serving meals at Weskota Manor.
Vi was an avid gardener and raised many beautiful flowers. She enjoyed baking and cooking meals for her family and guests. She spent many hours making quilts for her family that are now being enjoyed by her daughters and their children. Birdwatching was another hobby. She fed her birds daily and had many sweatshirts with pictures of birds on them. She and Fred loved to go dancing and enjoying time with their many friends in town. They were also involved in bowling leagues and brought home a few trophies. Vi liked to participate in the Red Hat ladies’ group and the gettogethers and outings.
Viola is survived by her daughters Teresa (Larry) Fiala of Custer; Annette (Darnell) Madsen of Aberdeen; Kathleen (David) Bauer of Ipswich; daughter-in-law Pam Scherschligt of Mentor, MN, and brother-in-law Art Scherschligt and wife Erla; Grandchildren Josef (Andrea) Fiala, Nick (Bridget) Madsen, Ryan (Nayeli) Bauer, Melissa (Ryan) Gardner, Mitchell and Jenna Scherschligt, and Kali (Ethan) Paradis. Great Grandchildren Kirstyn Ward, Megan Fiala, Viola and Ellie Madsen, Alaina Paradis and numerous nieces and nephews.
Vi left this world Sunday, December 19, to join her parents, her husband Fred, son Jeffrey, brother Francis and sister Loretta in Heaven.
Memorials in Viola’s name can be sent to the Wessington Springs Senior Center or St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Cards may be sent to Teresa Fiala, 11674 Pleasant Valley Rd, Custer, SD 57730 and any memorials will be forwarded.