Vivian Bardell Schlickman

Vivian Bardell-Schlickman, age 85, was called home on February 20th, 2023. Born to Godfrey and Rose Rufenacht on January 20th, 1938, she was the youngest of 6 children. Vivian became most affectionately known as “Schatzi,” which means “sweetheart” in Swiss, during her childhood while living in the tavern and hotel owned by her parents. As a child, Vivian shifted her red chair around the tavern to see and undoubtedly converse with the patrons. She always recalled her childhood memories with her parents fondly. She would share stories that her grandchildren easily remember. First, her father told her she could have all the beer she wanted but had to ask for a pop. Second, her father would sing her “Niene geits, so schön und Lustig”; finally, her mother was locally renowned for her fried chicken meal.

After high school, she attended the Deaconess School of Nursing in Freeport, IL.  Vivian was a Registered Nurse for 42 years, starting as an OB Nurse, then becoming a floor supervisor, and in her last 26 years, she was a surgical nurse. She was so incredibly proud of her work as a nurse. During her time in nurses training, she met her husband, Klein Bardell, and they married on June 6th, 1958. Together they farmed outside Freeport, raising three children David, Sharon, and Stephen. She lost Klein in the fall of 1988 and moved off the farm but continued collecting pig items of all kinds. Her strength, resilience, and independence are just a few things her family profoundly admires. She would continue to work as a Registered Nurse until her retirement.

Several years later, friends would introduce her to Floyd Schlickman, and they would marry in September 1993. She and Floyd would share almost 30 years together and their love of travel and Golf. He was her biggest supporter, friend, and even her eyes when she lost sight. We should add that they even tolerated each other’s football teams; she is a Bears Fan, and he a Packers fan. We feel so blessed that after the tragedy of losing Klein, he came into our family and made us feel a little more whole again. We are forever grateful for his patience, kindness, and unwavering love for Vivian.

Vivian’s profound faith and love of God and the joy she found surrounded by her family were among her best and most memorable attributes. Whether it be a concert, sporting event, or birthday -  she rarely missed an event. This extended far beyond her children, but her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren remember her being a spectator. Her favorite hobbies included Wheel of Fortune, playing cards with friends, listening to Polka music, Squeezebox night at Turner Hall, Cheese Days in Monroe, having a glass of Riesling at Baumgartner's Tavern, golfing, and listening to the Bears Play football. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Klein R. Bardell, parents Godfrey and Rose Rufenacht, and siblings Etheleen, Lillian, Mae, Godfrey Jr., and James.

Vivian is survived by her husband, Floyd. Her children David (Pam) Bardell of Baileyville, IL, Sharon (Bob) Blumer of Monroe, WI, and Stephen (Mimi) Bardell of Dewitt, IA. Her Grandchildren; Holly (Joe) Klever, Erin (Dan) Francois, Jon (Carrie) Bardell, Garrett Blumer, Cody (Arena) Bardell, Timothy Bardell, Emily (Jason) Monigold, and Danielle Bardell.  She adored her Great Grandchildren; Hailee, Jaysen, Jakob, Addison, Ana, Bradley, Charlie, Rylee, Nora, and Jax. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, February 26th,2023, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL. The funeral will be held on Monday, February 27th, 2023, at 11 a.m. at St. John UCC in Freeport, IL. A luncheon will be held at the church following the funeral.   A graveside service will be held at a later date. Walker Mortuary in Freeport, IL, is assisting the family.

Her family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at both FHN and OSF Saint Anthony’s in Rockford for their compassionate care. Memorials to celebrate Vivian’s life can be extended to FHN Ferguson Cancer Center and Highland Community College’s Nursing Scholarship Fund.