Vivian K. Walleser

Vivian K. Walleser, age 82, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 28, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 2, 1942, in Viroqua, WI, to Madelyn (Lewis) and Albert Shields. The middle of three sisters, Vivian was preceded in death by her brother, Billy, whom she never had the opportunity to know. She grew up in Bloomingdale, rural Westby, WI, and graduated from Westby High School in 1960. She went on to attend Methodist Kahler Nursing School in Rochester, MN, graduating as Valedictorian in 1963. Vivian spent the majority of her adult life in Retreat, rural De Soto, WI.

In 1963, Vivian married Ronald Brudos, and they had two children, Cheryl and Jeffrey. They later divorced. In 1984, she married Edward Walleser, and together they had two more children, Rebecca and David.  

Vivian was a spirited and compassionate woman who took great pride in her many roles as a wife, mother, granny, nurse, and friend. She worked as a registered nurse for most of her career, specializing in Labor and Delivery at Lutheran Hospital in La Crosse, WI. Vivian was highly regarded for her compassionate care, with both patients and co-workers noting how safe and loved they felt under her care. After retiring from traditional nursing, she dedicated many years to serving family and friends as a trusted healthcare advocate, guiding them through illness and difficult diagnoses. She made an impact on everyone she met and always found value in making a difference in the lives of others. Vivian believed in transparency and was known for always speaking her mind. 

Vivian was also a talented musician with a beautiful singing voice and a gift for playing the piano by ear. Her love of music was an integral part of her life, and she shared this talent with her family and friends, always bringing joy to those around her with her music. 

Vivian and Ed enjoyed many trips with friends to Branson, Missouri, and Sunday car rides around the greater tri-state area. Attending sporting events and school programs for her children and grandchildren was always a top priority. In 2005, she was honored to be the guest speaker at her youngest son’s high school graduation. Vivian loved visiting with family and friends, decorating her home (especially her mantle) for every season, caring for her cats, and indulging in her favorite shopping experiences, especially on QVC and senior citizen day at Kohl's. A trip to the mall for shopping, lunch, and hair/nail appointments was always a good time for Vivian. In her later years, she enjoyed word finds and watching Family Feud.

She is survived by her loving husband, Edward, of Retreat, WI; children, Cheryl (Lee) Johnson of Retreat, WI; Jeff (Jean Jones) Brudos of Jacksonville, FL; Rebecca “Becky” (Jerod) Kreibich of West Salem, WI; David (Ariel) Walleser of Retreat, WI; and adopted son, Doug Needham of Retreat, WI. Vivian’s ten grandchildren include Chad (Erica) Johnson, Cole (Shana Hardy) Johnson, Dylan (Hayley) Johnson of Retreat, WI; Adelyn and Cadence Kreibich of West Salem, WI; Stella, Piper, and Crew Walleser of Retreat, WI; and Aden and Liam Jones of Jacksonville, FL. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren: Mia, Easton, and Leighton Theobald, and Clint Johnson, along with a new baby Johnson expected in March 2025. Vivian is further survived by her sisters, Susan (Donald) Zimmerman of Onalaska, WI, and Gail (Lyle) Shumate of Madison, WI, as well as many other relatives and countless special friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Billy, her great-grandson Cal Johnson, many dear friends, and a long line of cats all called Darlene, that she will greet her with her trademark “Oh dear.” (If you know, you know.)

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the loving caregivers who supported Vivian over the years, including Dawn (Butch) Hauge, the staff at Mayo Clinic, Bethany St. Joseph Corporation, and St. Croix Hospice.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Retreat Community Sportsman Club. A Celebration of Life, officiated by Charley Fisher, will be held on Monday, January 6, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Retreat Sportsman Club, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Luncheon to follow with burial at Walnut Mound Cemetery in Retreat.

In lieu of memorials, the family prefers memories shared in a card or message, flowers, or a donation to a charity of your choice, as Vivian always enjoyed helping those in need.

The Roth Family Cremation Center is honored to serve the family. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.