Viola Eleanor Haugerud

Viola Eleanor Haugerud, age 100, passed away at Willow Ridge Nursing Home with her daughter by her side on October 8, 2025.

She was born on July 18, 1925 to Herman and Emma (Wetzel) Elmer at West Clayton. Viola was baptized at the West Covenant Church at the funeral of her 4 year old sister, Bernice. She was confirmed at Redeemer Lutheran. Viola attended Tanner grade school and Little Falls and graduated from Amery High School in 1944. Viola married Perley Haugerud on September 30, 1944, and to this union six children were born. Perley and Viola celebrated 75 years of marriage before Perley's passing in 2020. Perley and Viola were dairy farmers until 1986. After retiring, Viola worked at WITC and cleaned houses. Viola and Perley were caretakers of the Wagon Landing Cemetery for 19 years. This was a task they were dedicated to because they wanted it always looking its best. Viola and Perley enjoyed dancing and traveling. She was always involved in church activities, such as choir, teaching, Ladies Aid, and quilting well into her 90's. Viola and Perley always encouraged their children to participate in a variety of activities and they tried to attend them all, even if it meant starting chores a couple of hours early. Being a sociable person, what made mom's day was that knock on the door or phone call that lead to the "nicest visit." Viola never sat down without having something in her hands, usually a book or some kind of needle work. She lived for five years at Water's Edge, where she made many friends and enjoyed playing cards several times a week.

Viola was an inspiration to all of us for her inner strength and physical strength as she remained active right up to the end.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Perley; siblings, Ardis, Ralph (Arlene), Evelyn (Art) Hamann, Irene (Stanley) Simonson, Ted (Marilyn), and Bernice; children, daughter Carol Mitchell and son, Chuck; daughter-in-law, Judy Haugerud; and great-grandson, Carter Mitchell.

Viola is survived by her four children, Bob (Bonnie Kennett), Susie Andren, Jim (Faye), and Dave (Sonia Krause); son-in-law, Tom Mitchell; daughter-in-law, Sharon Glessing; grandchildren, Bob Haugerud, Stacey Vissers, Sara Vipond, Jon Andren, Carrie Haugerud, Amy Bluhm, Jill Haugerud, Jane Huggins, Brenda Laska, Tom Mitchell, Tony Mitchell, Brooke Squillace, Heather Laska, Jason Haugerud, Adam Haugerud; 33 great-grandchilren; and 11 great-great-granchildren.

The visitation will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00pm at the Williamson-White Funeral Home in Amery, WI. The funeral service will be at 11:00am on Monday, October 13, 2025 at the Little Falls Lutheran Church, with a visitation one hour prior to services. Interment will take place at Wagon Landing Cemetery at a later date.

Viola was an avid Wisconsin sports fan, so feel free to wear a shirt of your favorite Wisconsin team.

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