"Vivi set the highest standards for her legal work and service to the community. She mentored many young lawyers, including me. John and I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Gary, Sean, Rory, and Travis, and their families. Sharren Rose"
In loving memory of
Vivi L. Dilweg
June 27, 1943 - May 5, 2016
The Honorable Vivi L. Dilweg, JD, passed away on May 5th, 2016 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis. Born June 27th, 1943 in Northern Ireland to parents Samuel Windrym Armour and Rue McIlwain Armour. She was raised in Northern Ireland with her sister Heather. The Armour's immigrated to America in 1951 and resided in St. Louis, Missouri. Vivi graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1960 and from Washington University, both with honors in 1964. She received her JD from the University of Texas Law School in 1967 where she was a member of the Law Review. In 1966 she wed the love of her life Gary Dilweg with whom she celebrated 50 years of marriage and raised dearly loved sons Sean, Rory and Travis Dilweg.
After Law School Vivi and Gary settled in Green Bay, Wisconsin where they turned a one-room schoolhouse into a beautiful home overlooking the city. Vivi was an adjunct Professor at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay for 3 years. She was in private practice for more than two decades and became managing partner at Liebman, Conway, Olejniczak, Jerry & Dilweg. In 1982 she was appointed to the Wisconsin 8th Circuit Court as the first female Judge in Brown County, serving until 1999. During her tenure with the Brown County Court, Vivi led the effort to renovate the Brown County Courthouse, creating the jewel it is today.
In her career as an esteemed and highly respected Judge, Vivi served the legal community in many other ways. She was active in the Wisconsin and American Bar Association, serving on many committees, including the committee that established a new set of rules and guidelines for judicial ethics throughout the United States. From 1990-1995, upon the appointment of President George H.W. Bush, Vivi served on the State Justice Institute, an entity designed to improve the quality of state courts in the United States. She also served as a member of the American Judicature Society. In 1998, she was appointed Chairwoman-Elect of the National Conference of State Trial Court Judges.
Vivi had a love of the great outdoors. She spent her vacations with her family cross-country skiing, bodysurfing in the ocean, hiking on the California coast, and camping. During drives across the United States, she and her family visited national parks and monuments throughout the country. She genuinely enjoyed her home in the countryside with her family, dogs, & friends.
In addition to her husband Gary and children Sean, Rory and Travis, Vivi is survived by beloved daughters-in-law France, Laura, Nicole; precious grandchildren Mercer, Kian & Willow; sister the Honorable Heather Armour Hellmich; her brothers-in-law Hudson Taylor Hellmich, Robert Dilweg; sisters-in-law Diane Cromwell, Joanne Dilweg and many loving nieces and nephews. Vivi's family wishes to express a special thanks to the many family members and caregivers whose presence, love and affection sustained her and Gary through her long and difficult illness.
There will be a celebration from 4pm to 6pm on June 18th at the Brown County Courthouse, in Green Bay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Wisconsin Chapter, 1120 James Drive, Suite A, Hartland, WI 53029.
Tributes
"In looking back at our friendship with Vivi and Gary Dilweg we most remember them as special companions in our life journey. They taught us the value of such things as cross country skiing in Door County followed by pancakes at Al Johnson's, canoeing down the Peshtigo River even with little ones still in diapers, eating shepherd pie as a tribute to Ireland, talking politics with an open mind, the beauty of living in the country, viewing snow days with school dismissals as an adventure; the list could go on. Perhaps most of all, they taught us the joy of raising a family (in both our cases with all boys) and savoring the experiences of growing up with them. Finally, Vivi showed us the courage to face health challenges in a courageous and optimistic manner. In turn Gary has shown us the importance of being a loving and dedicated care giver. We are indebted to both of them. Kathleen and Tom Joynt"
"Gary and family, So many happy memories I shall always cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with youall. Look forward to seeing you on June18th. My deepest sympathy, JoAnn Hanaway"
"I have so many wonderful memories of Vivi, Gary and the "boys", especially on the Fourth of July at Shore Acres! She was an accomplished and warm funny woman, who was adored by my parents, Ted and Josephine Lenfestey, and our entire family. No one was more proud of Vivi when she became a Judge then my father! Tom and I send love to all the Dilwegs. Vivi has left a wonderful legacy with her three sons. Hugs to you Gary. Fondly, Lynn Lenfestey Fey"
"Sean and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. May the wonderful thoughts of your mom stay with you."
"The world was a far better place with her in it. She will bed deeply missed."