Viola Sorlie

Viola Agnes Kroeplin Sorlie, age 92, went peacefully into the arms of her Savior at Good Samaritan Health Care Center, Yakima, Washington, on November 12, 2013. Viola was born to Henry Nicholas Kroeplin and Caroline Elizabeth Hahn on September 9, 1921 at Loon Lake in the Turtle Mountains near Bottineau, ND. She was the eighth child of 12 and spoke German most of her childhood. She walked two miles to Oak Valley country school during the summer where she learned to speak English. Viola was confirmed on August 29, 1937 at Zion Lutheran Church in Gardena, ND. She attended Our Savior Lutheran Church in Bottineau most of her life. In 1944, Viola married Reverend George Kraus. They had two daughters, Carolyn and Beverly. In the late 1940’s she moved back to Bottineau with her daughters. In 1948, Viola married Ernest “Ernie” Wilhelm. They lived a short while in California and then farmed in Bottineau. They had one son, Larry. Ernie passed in 1967. Viola married Lloyd Sorlie, on January 12, 1969, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bottineau, ND. The couple lived in Center, ND for a few years before settling in Bottineau. They moved to Yakima, Washington in 2010 to be closer to their son and his family. As a young girl, Viola worked as a waitress at nine cents an hour then earned 25 cents a day in town cleaning houses. She worked at the local bakery, dime store, and clothing store; owned and operated Viola’s Food Bar on Main Street in Bottineau in the early 1950’s; as a Sunday School teacher; and sang in the choir at church. She opened Sorlie’s Ceramic Shop in Bottineau in 1971; and, as a certified ceramic teacher, taught 75 students weekly. Viola was a member of the Sons of Norway from 1977-2009. She was a talented artist and we will continue to enjoy her beautiful paintings. She taught traditional Norwegian Rosemaling techniques for over five years and worked for Deva Sewing at home for six years. She enjoyed embroidery, tatting, sewing, and quilting gifts for her children and grandchildren. In addition, she was a foster mother for two years. Survivors are her husband of 44 years, Lloyd; two daughters, Carolyn (Thomas) Boguslawski, Lewiston, ID and Beverly (Kenneth) Kimmel, Lake Benton, MN; one son, Larry (Shirleen), Yakima, WA; her 13 loving grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and extended family and friends. Sibling survivors are brothers, Donald of Menifee, CA and Edwin (Wanita) of Mayville, ND, and sister, Luella Common, of Grafton, ND. Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Caroline, her sisters, Margaret Halle and Floris "Kitty" Grover, and brothers, Carl, Robert, Henry, Erwin, Gilbert, and Melvin. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, homemaker, mother-in-law, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie, and friend. She will hold a special place in all our hearts. Although we mourn the loss, we are comforted in that she is now with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Viola’s family would like to express their most sincere appreciation to the staff of The Ponderosa Assisted Living Community and Good Samaritan Health Care Center, Pastor Griesse and the congregation of Peace Lutheran Church, and special visitors for the loving care and attention they showed during her final days. Visitation will be at Valley Hills Funeral Home, Yakima, Washington on Saturday, November 16, 2013 at 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor Griesse, of Peace Lutheran Church, Selah, officiating. A second visitation will be held at Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau, North Dakota, on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 2 p.m.. to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, Bottineau, North Dakota, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Joshua Reimcke officiating. Viola will be laid to rest at Oak Creek Cemetery following the service. Arrangements by Valley Hills Funeral Home, Yakima, Washington and Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau, North Dakota. Share your memories of Viola online at www.valleyhillsfh.com and www.nerofuneralhome.net. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Viola Sorlie, please visit our flower store.