Viola M. Britzke, age 93, of Shawano passed away on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Atrium Post Acute Care of Shawano at Evergreen.
The former Viola Mae Fritz was born at home on May 26, 1924 in the Town of Fairbanks, Shawano County, to William and Clara (Schroeder) Fritz. She was united in marriage on October 8, 1949 to Arthur H. Britzke at Zion Lutheran Church, Tigerton. For almost 25 years the couple dairy farmed in the Town of Grant (just west of Caroline) until they sold the farm to their son in 1974. While farming, Viola also worked for some time at Marion Plywood as well. After the couple left the farm they settled in Shawano. She is a former member of Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline, and a current member of Zion Lutheran Church, Shawano. The couple loved to go to polka dances and play cards, especially smear and sheepshead.
Viola was a partner in every aspect of their marriage. She helped with field work, milked cows and still found time to be a talented seamstress (making clothing for herself and her daughter). They raised three children to believe that hard work together as a family makes you strong. Viola liked crocheting and made all sorts of doilies until her eyesight robbed her of doing small work. She loved to cook, especially homemade potato pancakes for her family. Her other interests included gardening, canning, and working in her flower gardens. She was famous for her special homemade chocolate cake that the family always looked forward to when they would visit her and for special occasions. Viola also enjoyed going for drives in the fall to see all the autumn colors.
Viola will be remembered for putting God first and had a deep faith. She was never able to say “no” to anyone and was always willing to help out whenever needed. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother. She often shared her beautiful smile and contagious laugh with others.
Survivors include three children: Richard (Dorothy) Britzke of Caroline, Ronald (Rose) Britzke of Clintonville, and Patricia (Maynard) Zoellner of Shawano. There are 8 grandchildren: Sarah (Scott) Strehlow of Rosholt, Neal (Monica) Britzke of Marion, Joshua (Patty) Britzke of Caroline, Carol (Dan) Conradt of Shawano, Tom Britzke of Kaukauna, Jeremy Britzke of Pulcifer, Heather (Victor) Cruz of Puerto Rico, and Eric Zoellner of Shawano. There are 15 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. She is further survived by many other relatives and friends. Viola is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arthur, two grandchildren, Patricia Britzke & Ryan Zoellner, and one sister, Gladys (Keith) Jamson.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, June 26th at 11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, Caroline. Rev. Scott Ludford will officiate and burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 9:00 AM until time of service at the church. Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, is assisting the family.
The family wishes to thank all the nurses and staff at Evergreen and Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care provided to Mom. If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane, I’d walk right up to heaven and bring you home again.