Viola E. "Konken" Weatherwax

Viola Evonn Konken Weatherwax, 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Creekside Living in Grundy Center, IA.

‍A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, September 13 at 11:00 a.m. at the Niobrara Lutheran Church followed by a lunch and then a 3 pm graveside service at Lawn Ridge Cemetery in Coleridge, NE. Wintz Funeral Home in Coleridge is assisting with arrangements.

Viola was born in Hartington, NE., to Walter and Violet Johnson on August 23, 1933. ‍ She married Wendell Konken on December 28, 1951. 4 children were born to this union. They moved around the Cedar and Knox county areas and after a short stint in Casa Grande, AZ they settled in Niobrara, in the early to mid-1960’s, making Niobrara their permanent home. Throughout her life, she was busy raising her 4 children, running the auction service that they owned for over 25 years. They were married for 41 years, up to Wendell’s passing in 1992. Viola remarried Frank Weatherwax in 1998. They made their home in Niobrara and were married for 20 years, up to Frank passing in 2018.

Viola had a strong faith and was a longstanding member of the Niobrara Lutheran Church. She was a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Viola moved to Iowa in 2020 to be closer to her daughter.

‍Viola is survived by her children Robert (Carol) of Patterson, NY; Patty McElhaney (Richard) of Waterloo, IA; John Konken (LeAnn) of Stockbridge, GA; Ten grandchildren, Andrea ; Eric (Mary), Wendi (Nathan), Chance (Sarah), Joshua (Beth), Matt (Claudia), Kara (Greg), Hillary, Noel (Spencer), Pam and 13 great grandchildren. Connor, Mia, Maggie, Joseph, Kate, Lyla, Scarlett, Eleanor, Rory, Weston, Soren, Leif, Keeley.

‍Viola is preceded in death by her parents; sisters; husbands Wendell Konken and Frank Weatherwax; son Lee Konken.