Viola L. Franson, 90, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, passed away at her home, under the care of hospice, Wednesday, September 18, 2013. Viola was born to Malcolm and Louise (Tompten) Haugen on July 13, 1923, in Osseo, WI. She was baptized and confirmed at Kings Valley Lutheran Church. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Osseo, she moved to Eau Claire and worked for Gillette Tire Company before and during World War II. She met her future husband, Arnold, at Fournier's Ballroom in Eau Claire. They were married on June 21, 1948, at Kings Valley Lutheran Church. Viola and Arnold were married 61 years before his passing in 2010. Viola was proud of her Norwegian heritage and could speak and read Norwegian. She and Arnold traveled to Norway twice where she was able to meet and converse with relatives, and upon returning home, continued correspondence through letters. She and Arnold loved to travel and took many bus trips traveling throughout the United States. But they also loved being at home and at their son's cabin on Round Lake. Viola, a kind, humble, loving mother, always taught by example. She will be remembered as a great cook of Norwegian foods and a fabulous pie baker. Viola was an accomplished seamstress, sewing suits, dresses, costumes, doll clothing, and anything her children requested, including a Birkebeiner quilt made of her son's race bibs. Viola will be greatly missed by her family. She is survived by her son, Marvin (Lorrie) Franson; daughter, Donna (Craig) Hitchens; granddaughter, Andrea Shaw; great-granddaughter, Anika Kochan; brother-in-law, Irving "Tom" (Kathryn) Franson; nephews, Arnold Haugen, Brian Franson, Keith Franson, and Mark Franson. She will also be greatly missed by the family pets that loved to visit her at Heatherwood Assisted Living. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers, Glen, Maurice, and John Haugen. Viola and her children were privileged to become part of the family of the residents and staff at Heatherwood Assisted Living. Viola's family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of Heatherwood and Mayo Hospice for all the extra care she received. Funeral Service will be at 11AM on Friday, September 20, 2013, at First Lutheran Church, 1005 Oxford Avenue, Eau Claire, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at church. Pastor Lowell Halvorson will be officiating. Interment will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire.

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