Vivian E. Cole

1925 - 2025

Vivian E. Cole

June 14, 1925 - November 16, 2025

RAPID CITY - Vivian E. Cole, 100, Rapid City, SD, passed away on November 16 2025 at Westhills Village Healthcare.

Vivian Eloise Cole was born June 14, 1925 in Evansville, Wisconsin to Walter and Mabel (Wolff) Schiefelbein. She grew up in Janesville, Wisconsin and went on to study Art in Chicago, Illinois while working as a typist creating high school lessons for the young soldiers during World War II. She met and married Lt. Col. Hilary P. Cole soon after he returned home from the war. Together they raised 4 children while living in Madison, WI; Brookings, SD; Minneapolis, MN; Denver, CO and finally landing in their permanent home in Rapid City, SD.

Through the years Vivian continued to pursue her love of the Arts and was a self-taught sculptor and wildlife painter. Her art pieces have won several competitions and have been displayed throughout South Dakota including the rotunda in the state capital as well as local shops and western museums.

Vivian was a dedicated wife and mother and loved family life and being a homemaker. She was a strong and independent spirit with a great love for the outdoors and regularly organized family outings into the woods and countryside which all her children loved.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers and one sister. She is survived by her four children, David, Brian, Pat, and Linda; 7 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.

Vivian's family will honor her life and passing privately with close friends and neighbors at a future date to be determined. Arrangements with Kirk Funeral Home.