Vivian Arlene Bergthold

Vivian Arlene Knowles Bergthold, 93, of Downs, IL, formally of Wyoming, IL (80 years) passed away peacefully with family on Thursday, August 8, 2024. She passed in the home of her daughter and son-in-law (Marlene and Tom Wells).

Vivian was born, in Wyoming, IL, on May 13, 1931, daughter to Devaine E Knowles and Wilma Wirth Knowles. She was their first child and followed by 4 sisters and 1 brother: Mary Lou Knowles, Wanda Lee Knowles, Delores Ann Knowles Coronado (Jose), Willadean Knowles McGraw (Donald), Charles Knowles (Sally). She attended North Side School in Wyoming, IL and Wyoming High School, Wyoming, IL.

She married Harold Eugene Bergthold on June 5, 1949. They were blessed with four children: Pamela Arlene Bergthold Cunningham, Harold Eugene Bergthold Jr., Christopher Rodney Bergthold (Kim), and Marlene DeeAnn Bergthold Wells (Tom). Vivian has 8 grandchildren: Stanley Dean Cunningham Jr., Amy Cunningham Marksity (Shawn), Robert Bergthold (Sara), Aaron Bergthold (Krista), Paul Wells (Jessica), Thomas Coleman Wells (Paige), Allison Wells Lenihan (Kyle), Emerson Wells. She has 13 great-grandchildren: Michael Marksity, Timothy Marksity, Levi Bergthold, Hayden Bergthold, Benji Bergthold, Micah Bergthold, Thomas Wells, Emma Wells, Penelope Wells, Caroline Wells, Quinn Wells, Liam Lenihan, and Vivian Lenihan. Vivian loved and was close with her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Devaine and Wilma Knowles, her husband, Harold Bergthold, her son, Harold Bergthold Jr., her sisters, Wanda Lee Knowles and Mary Lou Knowles, and her brother, Charles Knowles.

Vivian was devoted to her family and friends and loved feeding everyone who visited her home. She was happiest when all her family was around and loved attending family reunions. She was always taking care of everyone and was a vital member of her community. She cooked for the local school and was an active member of the United Methodist Church in Wyoming, IL. She participated in the church as a board member, Sunday school teacher, member of the United Methodist Women (UMW) group, and bible study member. Vivian was an avid bowler for many years and loved to crochet, knit, and sew. She made many baby blankets and swaddles for family and friends over the years. She loved discovering Genealogy and was a member of the Genealogy Club. Vivian studied at Black Hawk and was a bookkeeper for Simpson & Paulson Lumber Company. She also worked as a Customer Service Manager at Jackson Sales and Service Implement Dealership. Vivian participated in the American Legion Women's Auxiliary. She worked hard both outside the home and as a homemaker. Harold and Vivian had a large garden, and she spent a lot of time gardening and canning. She was always happiest around children and loved taking care of all the babies. Vivian was beloved by family and friends and her loving presence will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be at 11 am, September 14, 2024, at Wyoming United Methodist Church. The family requests that all memorials be made to Wyoming Methodist Church in Wyoming, IL.