Vivian Adelle Neseth

Owatonna - Vivian Adelle (Lager) Neseth, 95, formerly of Owatonna, passed away on April 27, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Her journey through life was a testament to unwavering dedication, a heart brimming with love, and a spirit that readily offered itself in service. A cherished matriarch, she will be remembered by her children and grandchildren for her patience and wisdom.

Vivian was born March 14, 1930, in Hibbing, Minnesota, to Victor and Vienna Lager. She was raised in Nashwauk and graduated as salutatorian of her class from Nashwauk High School in 1948. Music was central to her life as she played the drums, led parades as a drum majorette, and filled spaces with the sounds of piano and organ.

Vivian attended St. Olaf College, weaving study, music and friendship in equal measure. She graduated with degrees in biology and chemistry, and in 1951 was crowned homecoming queen. A blind date introduced her to the love of her life, Stanley Neseth. Vivian and Stan were married on December 27, 1952, in Nashwauk, MN, and began their shared story in Ames, Iowa.

In Ames, Vivian worked at Ames Laboratory at Iowa State University for the Atomic Energy Commission. During their time in Ames, Vivian and Stanley welcomed their first two children, Kirsten (Kris) and Steven. In 1957, the family relocated to Owatonna, MN, where Vivian embraced her role as a homemaker and gave birth to three more children: Karen, Paul, and Katherine (Katie).

Vivian's passion for teaching drew her back into the classroom, first at the preschool and later in the biology labs of Owatonna Junior High School. In 1979, she found her calling at the University of Minnesota - Waseca, where she taught until her retirement in 1995.

Vivian's life was filled with the joy of raising her five children and later, the delight of spending time with her 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. For over six decades, Trinity Lutheran Church was her spiritual home, where her love of music found voice and her hands found purpose in service. Her early connection with the Girl Scouts blossomed into leadership, as she guided young girls as a troop leader in Owatonna.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley; her parents, her sons-in-law, James Blazek and Daniel Jonas; her sister-in-law, Irene Hawley and husband, Joseph Hawley; and her nephews, Terrence and Thomas Hawley.

She is survived by her five children: Kris Blazek, Boynton Beach, FL; Steven Neseth (Ellen), Stillwater, MN; Karen Hickey, Lawrence, KS; Paul Neseth (Barbara Hahn), Minneapolis, MN; and Katie Jonas; Minneapolis, MN; her grandchildren: Kevin (Kari) Blazek, Ben (Jenn) Wright, Kirsten (Tony) Ford, Annie Jonas, Nick (Lexie) Jonas, Nathan Hickey, Eric (Emily) Neseth, Megan Jonas, Sarah Hickey, Solveig Neseth (Louis) Kassar, Siri Neseth, Paavo Neseth, Greta Jonas (Conor Crooks), and Bjorn Jonas; 11 great-grandchildren, and 3 nieces. Vivian's legacy of love and kindness will continue to live on through her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Ecumen - Seasons at Maplewood for the care Vivian received.


Memorial service: 8/4/25, 11 a.m., Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mpls., (family greets at 10:30 a.m.) In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.