Virene Joyce "Vi" Stromsness

Stromsness, Virene "Vi" Joyce (Houghton) age 76, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, December 21 after a long, courageous battle. Her will to live, sense of humor, positive attitude, and strong faith through these past four years will never be forgotten as she beat the odds many times to accomplish one of her goals: to see her first great-grandchildren. Vi was born on June 8, 1932 to Charles and Mata Houghton in Willow Lake, South Dakota. She graduated from Willow Lake High School in 1949, and from St. John's Nursing School in Huron, South Dakota in 1953 with a RN degree. She was married to John Stromsness June 14, 1954. Her passions in life included spending time with her grandchildren, crocheting, and playing the piano. She always enjoyed her morning cup of coffee as she worked on her daily crossword puzzles and her daily walks to prepare for Grandma's Marathon which she completed six times. Each winter she looked forward to the annual trip to Hawaii which has forged many lifelong friendships. Family was Vi's top priority, and she always looked forward to the Houghton Reunions. Vi will never be forgotten by those who had the opportunity to meet her. She was an inspiration to all as she never gave up even when the odds were completely against her. Her sense of humor prevailed through these past few years, and she could always bring a smile to our faces, even in the toughest times. Her will to live kept her with us much longer than the doctors ever expected. A special thanks to Erik and Peri for caring for and comforting Vi, so she could remain at home. Their love and dedication to our family will never be forgotten. Also a special thanks to all the friends and family for all their thoughts, prayers, cards, visits and well-wishes. They brought much joy to Vi during her illness. Vi is survived by her husband, John; children, Deanna Perry, Steven (Kirsten) Stromsness, Douglas (Becky) Stromsness, Dawn (Mark) Olsen & Stacey (Sam) Kokales; grandchildren, Katie, Dustin, Jessica (Jeremy), Kristen, Jason, Lindsay, Bronson, Tyler, Samara, Karissa & Christian; step-grandchildren, Tanya, Samuel, Thomas & Kelly; great-grandchildren, Avianna & Nevaeh; siblings, Doris Larson, Albert (Elsie) Houghton, Robert (Lola) Houghton; sister-in-law, Karen Houghton, Edward (JoAnn) Houghton, Donna (Bernie) Hamilton, Adele (Gordon) Reed, Janice (Charles) Killingsworth, Karen Emel, Linda (Don) Fleeger, Carole (Doug) Kettwig & Ronald (Teri) Houghton; and several other relatives & close friends. Vi was preceded in death by parents, Charles & Mata; stepmother Florence; infant brother, Clifford; brother, Earl; brothers-in-law, Phil Emel and Ivan Larson; son-in-law, Bill Perry, and nephew, David Hamilton. Memorial service is scheduled for Monday, December 29. Visitation from 9:30-11 a.m. with service to follow at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 13600 Technology Drive (1 mile west of 494 along State 5.) In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Shriners Children's Hospital, Twin Cities.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.