Viola Smolnisky
November 3, 1922 ~ August 3, 2018
Viola Smolnisky, 95, a resident at Faulkton Senior Living, formerly of Leola and Aberdeen, passed away Friday, August 3, 2018 at the Faulkton Senior Living.
Viola requested that no services be held, inurnment will be held at a later date in Sturgis, SD at the Black Hills National Cemetery.
Viola Heupel was born November 3, 1922 to August and Mary (Klootz) Heupel of rural Leola. She graduated from Leola High School, and also from Northern State Teachers College with a one-year teaching certificate. She substitute taught at Leola High School for 60 years, was a census taker, worked at the Leola Sales Barn, and waitressed at the Leola Café.
On December 5th, 1943, Viola married Leo Smolnisky at her family’s farm. Together they started Leo’s Standard Station and Leo’s Garage both located in Leola. Viola participated in community activities that included the Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Disco Club, various bridge clubs, played golf and softball, and league bowled in Aberdeen for many years. One of her favorite memories was going to the national bowling tournaments with her sisters.
Viola enjoyed raising flowers, taking care of her yard, feeding the birds and the stray cats that showed up at her back door. She and Leo enjoyed fishing at Little Leola and going to Mobridge to try their luck at the casino. She made many friends throughout the years playing bingo.
Viola was preceded in death by her husband Leo in 2007, great grandchildren, Karis and Addison Rubenstein, born sleeping; brother Edgar, sisters Alma Vilhauer, Olivia Young, Lilly Rath, Irma Muhlbeier, and Vivian Snow.
Her survivors are children: Jean (Bob) Kaul, Sheilah (Glenn) Fischer, and Elmer (Joy) Smolnisky; grandchildren: Melissa Kaul (Jeff Seward), Lynn (George) Milos, Brian (Mandy) Rubenstein, Brooke (Levi) Berg, Brock Fischer, Nick (Ana) Smolnisky, and Sam (Nora) Smolnisky; nine great grandchildren: Codi Jones, Baylee Kerklivet, Blake, Connor, and Dani Rubenstein, Chloe, Landon and Sophie Berg, and Ava and Catherine Smolnisky; one great-great grandson, Greyson Kerklivet; a brother, Harold Heupel: and two sisters: Annie Quinn and Rene Lightfoot.
Condolences may be directed to the family in care of Sheilah Fischer, 904 Prospect Street, Faulkton, SD 57438.
Luce Funeral Home of Faulkton has been entrusted with Viola’s arrangements.
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Just breaks my heart, but you are a special angel and with your heavenly family now. Rest in eternal peace, Auntie Viola.
Sheilah–my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the death of your mom. I know she was not only your mother, but your friend and am so sorry for the hole it will leave in your heart and in your life.
Vi was such a witty gal. I have not seen her for a few years. But she was fun at Bingo in Aberdeen at the Eagles. Many years of getting to visit with her. I have thought of her often and missed those visits there or where ever we ran into each other… May she rest in peace and God Bless. Condolences to the family. Take comfort in her Peace.
Although our mothers lived into their nineties, the time with them was short. Remember what made you laugh the most. My thoughts are with all of you.