Vivian Niesz

Vivian A. Niesz, beloved wife of the late Earl F. Niesz, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, with her loving family by her side. Vivian was born on February 16, 1924, in Frazee, Minnesota. She was predeceased by her parents, Gottlieb and Alvina Maedl; brothers Walter and Carl, and sisters Julia and Alice. She is survived by her children: Paula (Bob), Rick (Ann), Susan (Mike), Sandi (Tim), Julie, and Jeff (Jennifer) along with thirteen grandchildren: Jennifer (Leroy), Sarah (Kevin), Whitney, Stefanie, Samantha, Adam (Alma), Zane, Zach (Erin), Justin (Amber), Jayme, Jakob, Haley, and Ben. She also leaves behind ten great grandchildren: Novleen, Olivia, Hadley, Abram, Mia, Leo, Charlotte, Mayce, Ava, and Rowdi Jo. Vivian was raised on her family’s farm in Minnesota, graduating from Frazee High School in 1942. She went on to complete a business degree at Detroit Lakes Business College, and was first employed at the Becker County National Bank in Frazee. Later Vivian followed her brother, Walter, to Washington where she met and married her adoring husband, Earl, on August 21, 1947, in Wapato. Together they fulfilled their dream of raising a family and becoming apple orchardists. The most prideful part of Mom’s life was as a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed cooking, and her fried apple recipe was always a family favorite no one else could quite match. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved knitting, painting, stamping, traveling with Dad, reading, playing cards with her friends, and putting puzzles together. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family. Mom possessed a strong faith as a Lutheran. It was this faith that not only sustained her throughout her life, but also in her final days. She was prepared to “see Jesus“ and wished all of us to “be happy”. As a family we are saddened by her passing, but take solace in the fact that she is at peace and is reunited with our dad. We wish to give a heartfelt thanks to Summitview Healthcare Center for the attentive, compassionate, and loving care that was given our mom during her final days. Also, thank you to Dr. Julia Robertson for the special care provided by her and her staff. Family graveside inurnment 9:00 am, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Reservation Community Memorial Park. Memorial Service 11:00am, Tuesday, July 18 at Meyer Auditorium in Living Care Retirement Community (3801 Summitview Ave, Yakima). To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vivian Niesz, please visit our flower store.