Vi Johnston

Vi Johnston, age 86, of Olivia died Saturday, September 11, 2021 at the Olivia Hospital.  Memorial services will be Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Cross of Calvary Lutheran Church in Olivia with Rev. Matt Hausken officiating.  Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.  Arrangements by Dirks-Blem Funeral Service, Olivia, MN.

A live stream of the service will be available at the following link starting at 11 a.m. on Thursday: https://my.gather.app/remember/vi-johnston

Violet Rose Johnston was born December 29, 1934 on a farm outside Wabasso, Minnesota to Elmer and Ida (Schwantes) Hauptli.  The family moved into town before settling in Springfield, MN.  Vi graduated from Springfield High School and got a degree in Physical Education and Geography from Mankato State University.  Vi taught in Bird Island and Sleepy Eye for 10 years.  Vi married John Johnston on June 3, 1968 in South Dakota and they have lived in Olivia since.  She was the High School girl’s golf coach for over 25 years and taught many women and junior high kids the game of golf.  Vi was the Olivia Golf Club Women’s Club Champion for 22 years in a row and won countless other Club Championships around the area.  Vi and John had wintered in Arizona for 20 years where she had sung in the Western Coral. She also sang locally in the group Sweet Adeline’s and the Cross of Calvary Church Choir.  Family was always important and she enjoyed watching all of the grandchildren’s activities over the years.

Vi is survived by her husband John of Olivia; her two daughters: Julie (and Ryan) Brudelie of Lewisville and Jill (and Chris) Hanson of Olivia; and her five grandchildren: Jack Hanson, Olivia Hanson, Will Hanson, Colby Brudelie and Carter Brudelie.  Vi was preceded in death by her parents and her two siblings: Mavis (and Glen) Erickson and Elton Hauptli.

Blessed Be Her Memory