Viola Zerrien

Viola Zerrien, 100, of Clinton passed away Monday, May 12, 2008, one day shy of her 101st birthday, at the Wyndcrest Nursing Home in Clinton. Born May 13, 1907 in Maquoketa, Jackson Co., IA, to Claire and Anna Carter, Vi was the youngest of 3; an older brother Clarence & sister Alverda. She graduated from Jane Lamb School of Nursing in 1929. After meeting and marrying Theodore Carson Zerrien of Clinton, IA on September 14, 1929 in Maquoketa, IA. , Vi served as a private duty nurse until the birth of their 1st son, Donald Carter in 1931. Later she worked for Burpee Seed Company until the birth of her 2nd son, Stephin Tedd in 1945, and later at Waukeshaw Motors. She has been a devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church since coming to Clinton and her faith has sustained her throughout her life. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, knitting slippers for all she loved, playing cards in two 500 card clubs until her eyesight failed her. Chocolate cake with chocolate fudge frosting (home made) was her trademark dessert. Vi lived an active and generously Christian life. Made of true pioneer stock and solid values she was an exceptionally bright woman with a huge, loving heart and a wonderful mothering nature to all of Gods children and creatures. We will all miss this inspirational and virtuous woman. Cause of death was congestive heart failure. She will be buried in Clinton Memorial Cemetery. Memorials can be made out to Zion Lutheran Church. She is preceded in death by her husband Theodore Carson Zerrien in 1991 and her youngest son Stephin Tedd Zerrien in 1994 and is survived by her son Donald Carter Zerrien (& wife Linda), Grandson Michael Carson Zerrien (& wife Sharon), Granddaughter Lynn Ann Ugartemendia, and Great Grandsons, George Jr. and Zachary Ugartemendia. Sew a Little Love every day! Linda Zerrien. Private family services will be held. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. The Lemke Funeral Home, South Chapel of Clinton is in charge of the arrangements. Online at www.lemkefuneralhome.com