Violet Susan “Vi” Gilmeister, 91

Violet Susan “Vi” Gilmeister (née Oksiuta), 91, passed away peacefully on Nov. 22, 2024, at Maple Ridge Memory Care in Plover, surrounded by her family.

Born Dec. 28, 1932, in the town of Sharon, Portage County, Vi was the youngest of five children of Stanley and Clara (Bronk) Oksiuta.

A 1949 salutatorian graduate of Rosholt High School at just 16 years old, Vi completed her senior year at the Community Hall in Rosholt Fair Park after a fire destroyed the high school building.

Vi began her professional life in Stevens Point as a secretary for a doctor and lawyer while living in the historic “castle” building on Main Street. On weekends, she returned to Rosholt to assist at her family’s Flambeau Bar and Ballroom.

In 1953, Vi joined WSPT AM 1010 Radio as a secretary and co-hosted the weekly Party Line program, earning local recognition as an on-air personality.

On July 3, 1957, she married John Gilmeister Jr. at St. Adalbert Catholic Church in Rosholt. Together, they raised three sons and operated Johnny’s Bar, becoming beloved members of their community. They retired from the bar business in 1981.

Vi continued working in several roles, including at Herrschners, Twit Chiropractic Clinic, and as a church secretary for St. Adalbert Parish until 2011. She remained active in the community, volunteering at church events and the Rosholt Fair.

Vi was known for her love of family, her faith, and her kindness. She tended her garden for more than 30 years, prepared meals her family cherished, and enjoyed vacations at Pine Lake, birdwatching, and polka music. She was a member of St. Adalbert Catholic Church for over 70 years, where she prayed the rosary daily and served in the Ladies Rosary Society.

Vi is survived by her sons, Kevin (Bonnie) of Tempe, Arizona; Kerry (Tracy) of Oakdale, Minnesota; and Kenneth (Renee) of Menasha, Wisconsin; her sister, Carolyn Kizewski; six grandchildren, Austin Mullins (Chad), Lauren, Ally, Alex, Sadie, and Ryan Gilmeister; and her great-granddaughter, Samantha Mullins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; her siblings, Leonard, Elmer, and Sally (Ray) Lorbiecki; and other extended family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at St. Adalbert Catholic Church in Rosholt. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m., with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A luncheon will be served in the church hall.

The family thanks the staff at Maple Ridge Memory Care and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.

Vi’s devotion to her family, her faith, and her community will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shudafuneral.com.