Watson, MI
Viola M. Sloan (Manninen), age 101, of Watson, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
Viola was born on September 9, 1921, in Woodlawn the daughter of Alex and Hilia (Vennie) Mattonen. She was a proud Finnish woman who began working hard at a young age. She had various jobs plus raising 13 children. She enjoyed the family gatherings on Sundays.
Viola was united in marriage to Waino Manninen in February of 1940. He preceded her in death in 1973.
Viola was a devout member of the Watson Bible Chapel. She was united in marriage to Gideon “Junior” Sloan June 14, 1975. He also preceded her in death in 2000.
In her younger years, she enjoyed gardening and traveling. She will forever be missed by her family and friends.
Viola is survived by:
Children: Anita Bridges, Carol Jensen, Kathy (John Kallio) Myers, David Manninen, William (Donna) Manninen, Mary (Jon) Broecker, Robert (Laura) Manninen, Donna Caron, Linda (Gary) Fundaro, Carl (LeeAnn) Manninen
Daughters-in-law: Patti Manninen
Corrine (Mike) Russell
Kay Forgette
Step Daughters: Diana (Jerry) LaFave, Annie (Daryl) Ridener
Grandchildren: Cindy (Soren) Spickerman, Lauri Carlson, Blaine (Amanda) Bridges, Janine Manninen, Jennifer (Jesse) Furman, Lisa (Dan) Casey, Angela (Ryan) Fhinney, Louis (Tracy) Myers, Alan (Lesley Knoebel) Myers, Wayne (Michelle) Manninen, Gina (Scott) Homminga, DJ Manninen, Beth (Jamie) Peterson, Nicole Karl, Michelle (Joe) Gaglio, Brian (Angela) Blair, Billy (Jennifer) Blair, Adam (Molly) Manninen, Todd Manninen, Paul (Ericka) Manninen, Terry (Jen) Broecker, Christine Broecker, Julie (Tony) Lambert, Joe Manninen, Deanna (Rick) Boucher and Donny (Vicki) Caron Jordan Fundaro and Ethan Manninen
36 Great Grandchildren
6 Great Great Grandchildren
And several Nieces and Nephews
In addition to her Parents, her two late Husbands, Viola is preceded in death by:
Siblings: Ernest, Hugo, Wilho and Leslie, Violet and Vivian
Sons: Thomas, James and Dale
Grandson: Raymond Myers
Sons-in-law: Louis Myers, Blaine Bridges and Dale Jensen
Step Son: Nathan Sloan
Family will receive friends on Monday, January 16, 2023 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Wells Township Hall in Arnold, MI. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 PM with Pastor Bill Hill officiating. A light lunch will be served and provided by the family. Viola will be laid to rest in the Forest Home Cemetery in Watson in the Spring. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Manninen family. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Watson Bible Chapel or Cedardale Community Church.
Sharon L Qualls - Atlantic Beach, FL
Hello dear family, I am saddened by the news of Aunt Viola’s passing, our last living sibling of that great Mattonen family that was the beginning of us all. A few of my memories as I reflect on her long life; an amazing family, always a sparkle in her eyes, the kitchen, a timber family, a big white house filled with activity, laughter, camp, hard work, coffee lunch, venison. The Yooper life, always filled with hospitality. I send a big hug from afar and want you to know you are in my heart, at this sad time, and always.
Sharon Mattonen Qualls/ [contact info redacted]
I love poetry and send this excerpt from one of my favorite poets. John O’donohue.
“May you continue to inspire us:
To enter each day with a generous heart.
To serve the call of courage and love
Until we see your beautiful face again
In that land where there is no more separation,
Where all tears will be wiped from our minds,
And where we will never lose you again.”
By John O’Donohue
Lori Lohfink - Felch, Mi
My very sincere condolences to the Manninen’s & extended families.
Always enjoyed the stories Anita would tell me about her the last few years & how strong & independent she was.
Feels like she’s gone too soon from our small community, even at a 101!
Rest well Viola.
Brian Blair - Gladstone , MI
Grandma,
You have lived through some amazing times. It sure seems like yesterday that all of us grandkids were at your house celebrating someone’s birthday.
You are loved by so many and too many stories of your life will be shared and retold by all who knew you.
One century on earth is quite an amazing tale to tell of a life well lived.
Rest easy up there. We will see each other again.
Love you!
Kathy - Morrison, CO
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Rich and Michele Neubauer - Macomb, MI
My condolences to Viola’s family and friends. I have great memories going to the UP with Bill hunting, building and hanging out with the Manninen family. Viola always treated me as one of her own and opened her home to me. Viola’s warmth and generosity has been passed to the next generation of her family and her zest for life will be remembered by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ken Kathy Henke - Zion, Il
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Family today as you Celebrate Aunt Viola’s eternal life. She will be welcomed with open arms into our Father’s loving arms and loving family and friends. I have such wonderful childhood memorie’s being in her home and spending time playing with my cousins.
I wish I could be there with all of you’s but Ken laid himself up and still is healing.
Love to all of you’s during this time and sending prayer’s of peace and comfort..
Love Always Ken and Kathy Henke
Mike and Debbie Vauris - Fairview, Mi
My deepest sympathy to the mannenin family. I had the pleasure to meet Viola many years ago as I have been a hunting buddy of her son, Bill. Over the years I have met all her children and spent wonderful times with them. She was definitely loved by all and will be missed.