Viola Jeanne Szpiech's Obituary
Big Rapids-Viola Jeanne Szpiech, 72 of Paris, passed away at her home on December 9, 2010 after her battle against lung cancer. She was born on April 2, 1938 in Big Rapids, to Zenith Holtzlander and Majorie (Stafford) Bobowik. Viola better known as Timmy to many family and friends, was a loving and caring mother and homemaker taking much pride in the family she raised. She was employed as a Dental Assistant by Dr. Lawrence Jensen and later, for many years, helped her husband by doing the bookkeeping for Stans Backhoe Service. For pleasure, she enjoyed riding the Harley with her husband, Stan. As an avid card player and member of the Mecosta County Medical Center Auxiliary, she played in many bridge tournaments. Most of all, she loved to be at her kitchen counter drinking coffee and visiting with family and friends. Viola is survived by her mother, Majorie Bobowik, her loving and caring companion, Douglas Frary and his daughter Sherabiyah Cawley; her children, Majorie (David) Lewis, John (Jane) Johansen, Brian (Cindy) Johansen, Susan (Carl) Stewart, Stephen (Debra) Szpiech, Stephanie (William) Lapinski and step sons Stanley Szpiech, Jr. and Rick Szpiech. She is also survived by her step mother Mary Holtzlander, and her sister Jackie (John) Davis, brother, Allen (Pat) Mosher, sister Debra Borst, fourteen grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her father Zenith Holtzlander, Viola was preceded in death by her first husband Raymond H. Johansen, her second husband Stanley M. Szpiech and her sister, Linda (Craig) McDonald. Funeral services will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2010, at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids, with Ross Meads, friend of the family, officiating. Visitation will be 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral Home. A luncheon will follow, after the services, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles of Big Rapids. Memorial contributions for the Mecosta County Community Foundation or to Mecosta County Medical Center Foundation (Susan P. Wheatlake Cancer and Wellness Center). Envelopes will be available at the Mohnke Funeral Home.
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