Vivian R. Black

Vivian R. Black

POYNETTE - Vivian R. Black "Viv", 85, of Poynette, was called home to her Savior on Sunday, June 9, 2024, at SSM Health Hospice House of Baraboo after a long struggle with congestive heart failure.

Vivian was born in Milwaukee, WI. After her biological mother's death, she lived with other relatives until the age of eight when she was brought to live with her adoptive parents Floyd and Hazel Jacobson of Rio. She graduated from Rio High School in 1957. Vivian attended Columbia County Teachers College from 1957-1959. She continued working toward her teaching degree and graduated from the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point in the summer of 1965.

Viv worked as a teacher for over 40 years. She taught in one room schools for the Cambria and DeForest school districts, junior high grades 7 and 8 in Pardeeville, and the Dekorra Elementary School in the Poynette system until her retirement in 2000. She finished her teaching career by substituting at the Rio Elementary School. Vivian worked at several other positions over her lifetime: helper on a farm, pin-setter at the Rio bowling alley, waitress at A&W Root beer stand, CNA at Divine Savior nursing home and Columbia County Mental Health home, as well as coaching volleyball and curling for many years.

The summer of 1965 was a big year for Vivian. Not only because of her university graduation, but because she married Paul Black of Poynette in August of that same year. The couple lived and taught together in Pardeeville before their first child, Bill, was born and then moved to Poynette where they would welcome their second child, Heidi. Vivian and Paul were married for 57 years at the time of Paul's passing in November of 2022.

Viv was involved in many things. She was a life-long member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Rio. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star – Lodi Chapter #4. She enjoyed reading, making cards and jewelry, sewing, word finds, fishing and sports. Not only was Vivian a coach, but a competitive athlete herself, playing softball for many years in both fastpitch and slowpitch leagues. She enjoyed curling, tennis, volleyball and golf with family and friends. Viv loved all kinds of sports and in her later years never missed her grandchildren's sporting events. Most of all, Vivian loved people. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. Viv touched so many lives and her special ability to get to know a person, connect with them on a personal level and let them know she cared about them will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her biological parents Viola King and LeRoy Wells, her biological brother and sister LeRoy Jr. and Barbara, her dad and mom Floyd and Hazel Jacobson of Rio, her honorary sister Kathy Clark of Rio, and her husband Paul Black.

Viv is survived by her children: Bill (Tammy) Black and Heidi Black; grandchildren: Paige (Caleb) Prochazka and Jacob Black; great-grandchildren: Amelia and Wesley; Paul and Vivian's feline companion "Stretch;" her dear friends: Linda Kuhlman, Joyce McFarland, Barb Gaastra; many relatives and other friends.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, June 18, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Grasse Funeral Home in Rio.

Memorials may be made in her memory to Redeemer Lutheran Church of Rio: 610 Lincoln Ave, 53960, or to the SSM Health Hospice House of Baraboo: 915 12th St. Baraboo, WI, 53913.

A special thanks to the SMS Hospice team and the wonderful staff at the Baraboo Hospice House for their compassionate care and to Grasse Funeral Service of Rio for serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.grassefs.com. Grasse Funeral Service of Rio is serving the family.

Vivian will be missed by so, so many but will not be forgotten by anyone who met her and knew her kindness. Until we meet again – we love you mom!