Viola Thora Fahrendorff

Fahrendorff, Viola Thora "Vi" (Nee Blomlie) Though saddened by our loss, our family is grateful for her; and we cherish the memories of our time together. The Lord granted Vi a peaceful passing in the afternoon on February 1, 2023, just a few hours after she declared that she wanted to die then and there. Vi was a devoted daughter, a loving wife and mother (best mom ever!), a beloved grandma, great and great-great grandma, and an adored sister, aunt, and friend. She will be missed dearly. Her memory and love will live on in our minds and hearts. Vi wanted her family to know that she was sorry to go, that she loved them all, and that she had enjoyed a long happy life. She attributed that to being a full-blooded Norwegian. On March 7, 1925, Vi was born in Medina Township, Minnesota, to John and Thora (nee Lein) Blomlie who both were born in Norway. The family lived in Long Lake and a few other small towns in Minnesota. Her living siblings were Alice, Adolph, Bill, and Ted. In 1934 when Vi was 9 the family moved to Northeast Minneapolis. They had an upright piano and Vi taught herself to play in a stride musical manner - fast alternating left hand chords while the right hand played melodies. She enjoyed that all her life. She loved to sing. Everyone was always happy to hear her play. At age 14 she met Bob James who she married 4 years later. They were married 24 years and were blessed with 3 daughters. In 1983 Vi married Harvey Fahrendorff and was blessed with 4 step-children and their families. Vi had a full life. Vi loved cheering for the MN teams especially the Vikings, Twins, and the Gophers. Casino trips, lottery scratch-offs, bingo, bowling, playing cards, watching reality TV shows, reading the daily paper, baking bread and cookies were some of the things she enjoyed doing. She always would read pocketbooks, so many books, from Free Little Libraries. Almost 98 years old, Vi took total care of herself. She was alert, vibrant, witty, spunky, warm and welcoming. Vi took great pride in herself, always had her hair curled and lipstick on. She enjoyed people being surprised at her actual age because she appeared and acted decades younger. Although Vi was a life-long Minnesotan, for the past few years, she enjoyed escaping the snowy and cold winters by traveling to Southeast Arizona. She enjoyed winters there, no heavy coats or boots. On January 30, 2023, Vi was admitted to a hospital in Sierra Vista, Arizona, due to chest pressure. The next day after heart surgery, her kidneys began to fail. She was so tired being kept awake with all the poking and prodding. She just wanted to sleep. She had the doctors remove all the hospital equipment. She felt so much better and could finally rest. Vi passed away a few hours later just as she wanted. Her passing was so unexpected. Preceded in death by husband Harvey, parents, siblings, daughters Carole Allen Foster and Jan Schroeder, sons Curt and Harold, and sons-in-law Carl Foster, Ken Hagen, and Don Schroeder. Vi is very sadly missed by daughters Linda (Jerry Wedebrand) Jambik, Joyce Hagen, Nancy (Nick) Barsic, daughters-in-law Alice and Linda, former son-in-law Mike Jambik, and many grand, great-grand, and great-great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and friends. On Friday, August 4, 2023, please wear casual comfortable clothing to the 11 a.m. service at Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel, 2610 19th Avenue NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Hillside Cemetery. Vi will be laid to rest up on the hill next to her parents. Luncheon will follow the burial in the community room. If desired, please include Vi's favorite charity for donations any time. Our Lady of Peace Hospice, 2076 St. Anthony Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104.

Tributes

Viola Thora Fahrendorff

March 8, 1925 - February 1, 2023

Tributes

Viola Thora Fahrendorff

March 8, 1925 - February 1, 2023

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