Viola M. (Keller/Wickenheiser) Stroup

Stroup, Viola M. Keller/Wickenheiser Age 86, of Edina, passed away on April 17th. Born and raised in North Dakota and the daughter of Joseph and Margaret Wicken-heiser. Vi enjoyed her career as an office manager at Conrad Publishing Company and the Legislative Council Office at the State Capitol in Bismarck, N.D. Vi moved to Edina in 2002 where she entered another season in her life, and one of the best. She quickly became known as "Vivacious Vi" because of her unparalleled and enthusiastic volunteering at Fairview Southdale Hospital, Centennial Lakes Condominium Homeowners Association, and Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church where she sang in the choir and volunteered for a variety of other activities. Her zest for life and big heart allowed her to establish a broad base of friendships with people of all ages in a variety of circles. Vi was a beautiful optimistic inspiring matriarch to her family who always looked at the bright side of life. She was a witty, intelligent woman of grace and style and used her many talents wisely. Vi gave more than received and was the icon of joy in a person living each day to the utmost by making everyone around her feel special. Recently, she was awarded her 4,000 hour pin for her volunteering at Fairview and received numerous other awards for her countless hours of service. Preceded in death by husbands Pius J. Keller, Senator Robert L. Stroup; parents; siblings Lorraine and Tom Wickenheiser. Survived by children Ronald (Nancy) Keller, Donald Keller, Kathy (Richard) Werner, Richard (Nancy) Keller; siblings: Al Wickenheiser, James (Eileen) Wickenheiser, Alice (Ed Muckenhirn) Robert (Patricia) Wickenheiser; ten grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, numerous wonderful nephews and nieces, as well as many friends in the community. Visitation at Washburn- McReavy, 5000 W 50th St., Edina, MN 55436. (952) 920-3996 on Tuesday, April 21 4-8 p.m, with personal reflections, stories, singing and prayer at 6.30 p.m. Please join the Celebration of Vi's life at Our Lady of Grace Church, 5071 Eden Ave., Edina MN 55436, on Wednesday April 22, at 11:30 a.m. Visitation at 10.30 a.m. Please direct any memorial contributions to Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance or Our Lady of Grace Parish music ministries.