85

Thursday, June 20

Sioux Falls

Vi was born on Jan. 14, 1934 on her family’s farm north of Dolton. Vi was the youngest of seven children born to David and Tena Engbrecht. As a child born during the “Dirty Thirties” on a small farm, Vi and her siblings endured many challenges, but the biggest challenge came when Vi was five years old. Her father passed away leaving her mother with seven children to raise alone. After her mother sold the family farm, Vi’s family moved to Bridgewater where she continued her education. These early life events helped develop Vi’s strong will, determination and hard work ethic. As an adult and after several moves Vi settled in Sioux Falls in 1968. 

In 1974 Vi married Robert Schuler. After Robert’s passing Vi remained in Sioux Falls, working at Littons, Holiday Inn and Sioux Valley (Sanford) Hospital. After retiring from the hospital Vi worked part-time at Northwest (Sioux Falls) Laundromat. She continued to work past her 85th birthday.

 Vi’s caring spirit touched many lives. She gave her time, food and care to her neighbors, friends and family. Her many acts of kindness will be remembered by all those she came in contact with. She loved helping others and especially loved baking treats to give away.

Those preceding her in death include her husband, Bob; her mother and father; her brothers, Marvin Engbrecht and David Engbrecht; her niece, Patricia Ratzlaff and her nephew, Gene Ratzlaff. She leaves behind her brother, Ben Engbrecht, Sioux Falls; her sisters, Esther Ratzlaff, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Martha Hofer, Sioux Falls; Anna Scarff, Wayland, Iowa; 20 nieces and nephews; and her best friend, Jean Bloemendaal, Sioux Falls.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 26 at Trinity Baptist Church, Sioux Falls with burial at Bridgewater City Cemetery.

Memorials are to be directed to Trinity Baptist Church or the Children’s Inn of Sioux Falls.

Arrangements provided by Hofemeister-Jones Funeral Home.