George, Viola LaVera

NORTH ENGLISH - Viola LaVera George was born March 19, 1926, the daughter of August C. And Bertha (Koehn) Baethke in Williamsburg, Iowa. Vi died at her home in North English on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010. She lived 84 years, 6 months and 2 days. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millersburg, with Pastor Paul Nus officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in North English.

Vi is survived by sons, J. Gus George of Black River Falls Wis., Kenneth “Kinker” George of North English and Robert (Janet) George of Williamsburg; daughter, Francie (Tracey) Raders of Platt, S.D.; a God child, Tabby Foubert of Indianapolis; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and brother, Elmer (Tobe) Baethke of Keswick and Floyd Baethke of Montezuma.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant daughter; her husband, Kenneth in January 1981; and brothers, Merlen and Melborn Baethke.

Vi attended St. John's Lutheran School near Victor. She married Kenneth H. George on April 15, 1955, in North English. She lived in Iowa County all of her life. Vi was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Millersburg, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She was baptized April 18, 1926, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Williamsburg and confirmed on May 25, 1941, at St. John Lutheran Church in Victor. She also was a member of the Ladies LWML and VFW Legion Auxiliary. Vi was a Cub Scout leader for many years. She baby-sat for 12 years, worked in housekeeping at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics and later at the English Valley Care Center in North English.

She loved to quilt and crochet and was known for her popcorn balls at Halloween.

A memorial fund has been established for the Trinity Lutheran Church Stained Glass Project or Hospice Compassus.

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