Vivian Vadner died peacefully at her South Haven home Monday, July 19, 2021, with her children by her side. She fought her cancer battle with the highest degree of courage. She was 84. 
Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 23, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Fair Haven with Rev. David Buchs officiating. Burial will follow at the Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service Friday at the church. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home website.
Vivian Gertrude Schmidt was born Aug. 4, 1936, in Fair Haven to Vern and Gertrude (Renken) Schmidt. Vivian grew up near Fair Haven on her family’s hobby farm, and she attended school in Kimball. Vivian was united in marriage to Douglas Bennett Vadner, and the lived in South Haven. Vivian worked as a dental receptionist for 13 years at dental offices in Sauk Rapids and Buffalo. She then worked as a cook at Annandale Care Center until her retirement. Vivian was an active member of Concordia Lutheran Church in Fair Haven, and she often was seen in the church kitchen serving others. She also was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 261 of Kimball. Vivian’s talents included sewing and baking. She enjoyed walking, reading, gardening, Bible study, cards, Scrabble, and she was a garage sale queen. Her full heart was given freely to her familly, church, friends, and her pet companions Pretty Girl and Tisha.
Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Douglas, grandson Jesse, great-grandson Knox, parents, and brother Milton.
She is survived by her children Greg (and Audrey Purcell) Gunnerson of Annandale, Kevin (and Nancy) Gunnerson of South Haven, Sherry (and Terrence) Duncan of Ogilvie, Carl (and Coralie) Gunnerson of Litchfield, Mona (and Wayne) Weisman of Annandale, Joseph (and Annette) Gunnerson of South Haven, and Todd (and Nancy) Gunnerson of Maple Lake; 18 grandchildren: Ryan, Jason, Scott, Kelly, Joshua, Jay, Stephanie, Melonie, Jeramiah, Holly, Tiffany, Cassie, Mickie, Tyler, Whitney, Dylan, Lindsey, and Jenna; 33 great-grandchildren: Avery, Kessler, Presley, Finley, Emerson, Lincoln, Rylan, Huxley, Hudson, Sawyer, Scarlet, Jayde, George, Ross, Luke, Brock, Allie, Owen, Peyton, Ethen, Kourtney, Phillip, Holley, Cody, Madilynn, Makynzie, Morgan, Jamison, Easton, Emma, Evan, Oaklyn, Xander, and Eli; brothers Donald (and Geraldine) Schmidt of Watkins, Verble “Audrey” (and Lenard) Huset of Montana, and Valerie Kirby of Missouri, and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Vivian’s grandchildren wills erve as the urn bearers. Lynn Hoff will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial and Cremation Services.