Viola M. Cole

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died January 18, 2020

Viola M. Cole, age 83, of Rapid River, passed away Saturday afternoon, January 18, 2020, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba.

Viola was born on November 7, 1936, in Escanaba, the oldest of Joe and Norma (Porath) Decremer’s three children. Viola grew up on the Decremer homestead (saw mill and then farm) in Perkins where her grandparents Florian and Virginia Decremer settled in 1906. For decades the Decremer homestead became the center of family events and gatherings that helped shape Viola’s strong sense of family.

Viola followed a long line of strong and independent women including her mother Norma, grandmother Virginia, and her great-grandmother Josephine (husband Henri) who lived in Wisconsin and was known to care for all those who needed help.

Viola was a nurse at St. Francis Hospital for more than 20 years. She spent many years working in the pediatric clinic on K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base and was a one-time owner of Chum’s Bar in Perkins. She carried the spirit of her ancestors into her own nursing career, caring for others as her own and making a difference in the lives of those she interacted with. She passed those qualities on to her children and grandchildren.

In her later years, Viola resided at the Riverside Manor in Rapid River. Once again, Viola made lasting friendships through social activities and enjoyed caring for the plants and flowers that adorned her apartment building.

Survivors include:
Sons: Douglas (Glenda) Cole, Dennis Cole and Darrel (Jane) Cole
Daughters: Dawn Marburg and Dana (Aaron) Depuydt
Brothers: James Decremer and Robert (Barbara) Decremer
Sister-in-law: Mary Decremer
Grandchildren: Christopher (Rose), Brittany, Angela (Aaron), Tyler (Jessie)
Travis (Katie), DJ (Candice), Nathan, Joshua,
Samuel, Hannah, Nash and Beck
Great Grandchildren: Everette, Dawson, Daxton, Vera, Kaizen, Kamden, Isaac (Lorena)
and Dougie
Great Great Grandson: Kanye
Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Viola’s parents, Joe and Norma, preceded her in death.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Funeral services will follow visiting hours on Thursday, at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone, with Rev. Fr. Joseph V. Augustine of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins officiating. Luncheon will follow in the parish hall at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Perkins. Viola will be laid to rest in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery in the spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.

5 Tributes for “Viola M. Cole

    Vi was a wonderful person. She made the Manor beautiful with her flowers. She lived the past 2 years in my moms apartment after her passing away. She would always invite me in as she knew my mom had a open door policy whenever I would still visit my moms friends there. I will miss her smiling face. With Sympathy.

    I’m so sorry for your loss, Dawn! I never met your mum but she must have been an awesome lady to have raised such good children.

    I was so sad to learn about VI’s passing, what a wonderful person she was! I enjoyed our conversations at Riverside Manor when I would run into her. Most importantly, I loved watching her interactions my cousin Allen Lundberg, she called him “my boy.” It was so sweet how she cared for him and he thought the world of her as well. When she left for a while he sure missed her and loved helping with her flowers before he became unable to.

    Dennis and family. We are so sorry to hear of Vi’s passing. I always enjoyed her company and had many laughs with her during your crazy family card games. Hugs to you all.

    To the whole family my heartfelt and deepest condolences. I loved Vi. Over my lifetime she was a wonderful, happy, giving, loving, spunky, creative, and hard working momma, friend and woman. I grew up knowing her as did my children who she’d look at me with a surprised and say, “oh my God! That’s your baby” or That’s Tyler?!” … Crazy how time flashes by us.
    She touched so many lives as you know and she lives within each if you which is how she will live on. ♥️
    Much love to you all and rest in peace Vi. We love you.

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