"Our memories together began when Florence was at Wartburg College and she and Eileen Miehe from Maynard, Iowa became friends. Soon after Eileen and I met, became engaged and a wedding was planned at St. Paul Lutheran in Maynard and Florence accepted the invitation to be the organist. As a wedding gift with a personal touch, she painted a picture of Christ in Gethsemane which has a prominent place in my life for over 70 years . It is a reminder of her faith, love and devotion to Christ and his community. Thank you, Florence, and may we never forget!"
In loving memory of
Florence M. Vieker
December 12, 1937 - June 25, 2020
Florence M. Vieker, 82, of Allison, Iowa, died Thursday, June 25, 2020, at her home in rural Allison, surrounded by her family.
Florence was born on December 12, 1937, in Dumont, Iowa, and raised on the family farm by her parents Ed H. and Clara (Paplow) DeBower. She was baptized on January 9, 1938, at home and confirmed on April 6, 1952, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Vilmar.
Florence attended rural country school in Allison, graduated from Allison High School and attended Wartburg College in Waverly. She was united in marriage to Kenneth Lee Stirling on December 12, 1958, at St. John's - Vilmar; he preceded her in death on September 9, 1994. Florence then married Robert Vieker on November 27, 1999, at their home in rural Allison.
In her early years, Florence worked for the bank in Allison. She then began teaching piano, organ, and keyboard lessons and became the secretary at St. John's - Vilmar.
Florence was an active member of St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Vilmar, being the church secretary for fifty years, and playing piano and organ for Sunday mornings, weddings, as well as funerals. Her love for music never ended as she shared her talents to many through both her playing and her teaching throughout the years.
She was also active with the Allison Garden Club, Butler County Farm Bureau, American Legion Auxiliary, Red Hat Ladies, Forget and Go Camping Club, and was once a 4-H leader.
Florence enjoyed sharing her music at the Butler County Fair and church. She also enjoyed camping, bird watching, attending Bible conferences, and spending time with her family and friends.
She had a strong faith, loved her Lord and will be forever missed by all who knew her.
Florence is survived by her husband Robert Vieker of Allison, daughter LaVona (Brian) Engelhardt of Allison, daughter Marilyn "Mert" Stirling of Waterloo, granddaughter Shauna (Raymond) Hansen of Owatonna, Minnesota, granddaughter Tara Stirling of Waterloo, granddaughter Shannon Hansen of Cedar Falls, granddaughter Shayna Engelhardt of Allison, granddaughter Riley Engelhardt of Allison, grandson Lucas Engelhardt of Allison, great-granddaughter Annabelle Stirling of Waterloo, along with numerous extended relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Clara DeBower, first husband Kenneth Stirling, son-in-law Craig Jacobs and granddaughter Sharron Hansen.
Memorial contributions may be given to Florence's family for future disbursement to local charities and organizations.
Due to COVID-19 and keeping the health of others in mind, Florence's family requests that all friends and relatives wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times, leaving six feet between each group, for both the visitation and funeral service.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, July 2, 2020, at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church - Vilmar, rural Greene. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at the Sietsema Vogel Funeral Home in Allison. Burial will take place at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery - Vilmar.
Tributes
"We are so sorry to hear about Florence. She was so much a part of our lives!! She will forever be in our hearts!! I am so thankful that all 3 of our sons still love playing piano thanks to her!! Hugs to all of you!!!"
"Florence was a significant mentor in my childhood. She lovingly fostered a love of piano and organ in me from age 7 to 17. I loved and appreciated her very much. My condolences to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed. "
"We are sorry for your loss and are sending caring prayers for all of the family. Marilyn & Mike Carroll"
"I knew Florence as long as my memory lets me go back in the past. I remember going to the farm house to visit her and Kenny with my parents. Back then, their house always appeared to look like a small mansion!! She was my last piano teacher out of about 3 and I still wish I would have continued for a few more years, but things always get in the way!! She helped me plan a surprise birthday party for my mom and never even blinked any eye about helping host, plan and clean up after all the ladies had left. Her piano/organ recitals were always a BIG family affair at the house too!! She always disliked that I did not keep both of my feet on the floor when I played, as I liked to hook one foot behind the other. (still do that to this day). Could go on and on about things past but think she would want all of us to keep on looking toward the future!! My deepest sympathy to all of your family"
"The most amazing piano teacher and person. You will be missed "