Wandling, Vivian Kay

Vivian Kay Wandling, formerly of Marengo, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013, at Peachtree Christian Hospice, Duluth, Ga., following complications from abdominal surgery. Services will be conducted by the Reverend Parks at First Methodist Church, Marengo, Saturday, Feb. 2, at 10 a.m. Interment at the Marengo Cemetery will immediately follow the service. Her family will receive visitors at Kloster Funeral Home Friday, Feb. 1, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Condolences may be sent to the family at . In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Brain Tumor Association, 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60631, or to your favorite charity in Vivian's name.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Lt. Col Larry Wandling, USAF (Ret), formerly of Marengo but now residing in Lawrenceville, Ga. She is also survived by her two daughters, Laurie Livengood of Lexington, Ky., her husband, Dr. Bryan Livengood, and their two sons, Josh and Kyle, and Lisa Cooling of Roswell, Ga., her husband, Joe, and their two daughters, Lindsey and Lauren. Also surviving are her mother, Mildred Koenig of Walker, Iowa; and sister, Marilyn Freeze and her husband, Jim, also of Walker. Her brother, Allen Koenig, and his wife, Julie, live in rural Marengo. Her father, Frederick Koenig, preceded her in death. She had eight nephews and nieces and many more great-nephews and nieces who mourn her passing.

Vivian Koenig Wandling was born on July 25, 1942. She received most of her primary education in Marengo Public Schools and that is where she received her diploma with the Class of 1960. Following graduation she was employed by Great Plains Gas Company, Cedar Rapids, for two years.

On June 3, 1961, she married her high school sweetheart, Larry Wandling. Following his college graduation in 1962, they began a 22-year career in the United States Air Force. She loved this life of travel, moving, and making new friends throughout the U.S. and in Germany. Daughter Laurie joined the twosome in 1969 and Lisa arrived in 1973. Her beautiful daughters brought new meaning to her life. She was totally dedicated to their upbringings. She was active in their early educations while serving as a room mother for several years, as an active member of several PTAs, and in the girls' band parent associations.

The family's last military assignment was in Florida and was where they spent the next 25 years. Being settled gave Vivian the opportunity to get her bachelor's degree, a goal she had for many years. She met this task with her normal enthusiasm and commitment so it was not surprising when she graduated with high honors and membership in the prestigious national honor society, Phi Kappa Phi. With degree in hand, she started her own career outside the home. She was an integral member of the firm, B3H Corporation, Shalimar, Fla., in their administration of government contracts. She worked there for over 20 years, helping the firm grow from the two founders and herself into an organization employing hundreds throughout several states.

In 2005, she retired and the couple moved to the Atlanta area. She was now able to pursue her many hobbies, including scrapbooking and collecting butterpats and teapots. Also, Vivian was able to become a full-time partner in the antiquarian book business they jointly formed in 1998. She loved the associated travel which ranged from Boston to San Francisco and St. Petersburg to Chicago. Many new and very close friendships were formed during this time.

In 2012 she again faced a medical crisis that was ultimately responsible for taking her life. Her battle was courageous, her brave heart and indomitable spirit would not give up until she was overwhelmed by complications. All who knew Vivian will miss her ready smile and her kind, caring, and gentle manner.

Published Jan. 29, 2013 in The Gazette