Vivian L. Unversaw

JANESVILLE - Vivian Lorraine Unversaw, age 103, passed away on Saturday June 1,2024 at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg WI. She was born August 25, 1920, to Herbert and Ida (Olson) Gabower on a farm near Tomah, WI. She graduated from Tomah High School in 1937. She then enrolled at Juneau County Normal, graduating with a teaching certificate. Vivian taught school in rural and state graded schools and then went to work for the U.S. Government, retiring in 1974.

Vivian loved to dance. In fact, she met her future husband Centre "Sandy" Unversaw at a dance. They married on January 5, 1952. Sandy’s career in the Air Force took them to Ellsworth AFB in South Dakota. After their retirements, they decided to make Rapid City, SD their home. Vivian was a member of First Christian Church, Canyon Lake Senior Duplicate Bridge, and life member of Rapid City Regional Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed her retirement years working at the Hospital Gift Shop, the Rapid City Election Board for 10 years, and several years for the Rapid City Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Bureau.

After the death of her husband in 2000, Vivian decided to move to Janesville, WI to be near her brother Don and his family. While living in Janesville, she became a member of Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church. During this time, she lived life to the fullest, joining in many card playing groups and taking one day bus trips to nearby cities with her good friend Darlyne Davey to see various plays, entertainment and dinner spots. She also loved to shop. Boston Store was a favorite spot in Janesville, and Viv was saddened to see it close.

Life slowed down when Viv moved into Huntington Assisted Living in 2016, but Viv continued to enjoy regular visits from church friends. Every week, Bernie and Joanne Shields played euchre with Viv, and Kathy Gibbs would come for a rousing game of cribbage on Thursdays. Viv also enjoyed her frequent visits from Pam Hatfield where they would sing, dance, and have coffee and pastries together. She also looked forward to the visits every year of her South Dakota friends Shelly Garcia, Barb Delzer, and Ron and Janet Starkey.

Most of all, Vivian loved her family. She brought joy to many family gatherings and grew very close to her younger brother Don Gabower before he passed. She adored her niece Amy and her family, and they enjoyed many celebrations together, where Viv was always the sparkle added to the party! Great-niece Lauren and Viv shared August birthdays together for 20 years. 80 years apart, they were known as the “Birthday Girls”. Vivian eagerly looked forward to her visits from nephew Todd which also included many heated games of cribbage. Family friend Shelly Crull-Hanke kept her supplied with home baked treats and accompanied Viv and Amy on birthday dinners at Milwaukee Grill. Vivian’s delightful presence will be greatly missed.

Vivian is survived by her niece, Amy (Kevin) Reilly; great-nephews, Ethan and Nolan Reilly; great-niece, Lauren Reilly; nephew, Todd (Patrice) Gabower; great-niece, Grace Gabower; great-nephews, Tom (Sydney) Gabower and Dan (Torey) Gabower; and a special great-great-niece, Cleo Gabower.

In addition to her husband and brother Don, she was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Robert Gabower. Also, her wonderful friend of several years, Margaret Starkey, and her good friend at Huntington, Marjorie Reed.

The family would like to thank the many, many caretakers over the years at Huntington, especially Berenice who took time to get Viv all dolled-up in the mornings with make-up and jewelry and coordinating outfits. Berenice also shared her sweet daughter Brenda, who called Viv Grandma, which Viv loved. Thank you also to the kind and compassionate staff at Agrace Hospice who made Viv’s last year much more comfortable.

Services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, June 13, 2024, at ROCK PRAIRIE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 8605 East County Highway A, Janesville. Rev. Dr. Bruce A. Jones will officiate. Visitation will be at the church from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 13th. Interment will be at a later date at Oak Grove Cemetery, Tomah, WI.

Vivian’s family is being assisted by HENKE-CLARSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY. Online condolences are welcome at www.henkeclarson.com.