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Viola Rufine Singstock, known to all as "Vi," passed away Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at Bethel Home in Oshkosh. Born in Oshkosh on a cold February 3rd, 1910, she graced our city for 97 wonderful happy years. Her parents were John and Theresa (Kliese) Gerdener. Arnold "Arnie" W. Singstock won her heart and they were married on October 17, 1937 in the difficult days of the depression.

A 1928 graduate of Oshkosh High School, she began her business career with the Wisconsin Public Service Corporation before her marriage to Arnie. She was later employed as a bookkeeper for the Oshkosh Northwestern for 20 years until her retirement. Vi was among the very first group of volunteer Red Cross Nurses Aides at Mercy Hospital during World War II. This allowed the Registered Nurses to go off to war.

Viola was an active and life long member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir and participated in many church functions. She was a member of the Woman's Division of the Chamber of Commerce for more than 25 years, a member of the 20th Century club and a docent at the Paine Art Center. She and Arnie were strong supporters of the Miss Wisconsin Pageant and had a great time attending pageant events and judging various local pageants throughout Wisconsin.

Vi was an especially talented and caring lady who loved the world with all of its wonders. One of her many joys was teaching and playing the piano. She adored her family and had a great love for children and her many animal companions.

Survivors include a son, Commander David J. Singstock (retired) of Alexandria, Virginia; a daughter, Sharon (Carl) Singstock Bury of Savannah, Georgia; three grandsons: Dr. Brian (Leslie) Singstock of Cincinnati, Ohio, Timothy (Cheryl) Singstock of Mount Clair, Virginia, and Mark W. Bury of Brussels, Belgium; two granddaughters: Susan (Todd) Rodriguez of Laguna Niguel, California and Elissa Singstock of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; thirteen great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Gerdener of Oshkosh and Carol Landen of Madison; a cousin, Margaret Ramien of Florida; nieces, nephews and friends. Vi was preceded in death by her husband Arnie on November 17, 1978, and two brothers, Raymond and Gerhard Gerdener.

Funeral services for Vi will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 3, 2007 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1206 Ontario Street, with Pastor Paul Lidtke officiating. Family and friends are invited to attend a time of visitation and reflection held on Friday, at the church, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery. Condolences and memories may also be shared online at www.seefeldfuneral.com

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be given to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1206 Ontario Street; Bethel Home, 225 N. Eagle Street, or the Oshkosh Area Humane Society, 1925 Shelter Ct.

The family would like to especially thank Vi's wonderful caregiver Ethel Krumenauer and the staff at Bethel Home where Vi was known as "The Hat Lady with the Big Smile."

Seefeld Funeral and

Cremation Services

(920) 236-7750


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