Viola Schwartz

At the age of 98, Viola Petersen Schwartz passed away peacefully on September 18, 2012, at the Heritage House in Atlantic, Iowa. Viola was born to Hans P. and Emma C. Petersen in rural Elk Horn on May 17, 1914, attended grade school at Oakfield Township (Audubon Co.) and graduated from Elk Horn High School in 1932. At a local dance, band leader Raymond H. Schwartz, asked Viola to dance with him. They were married on July 23, 1932.

Viola and Raymond were actively involved in general farming, as well as a purebred Hampshire hog operation and a Grade A "Surge" dairy operation. They had four children between 1936 and 1943. When the children had all graduated from high school and had left the farm, Raymond and Viola decided to leave farming behind and eventually moved into Atlantic. In 1963 they relocated to southern California.

Viola worked in retailing for a number of years, at Olive's in Atlantic and at Montgomery Wards in Covina, California. She and Raymond enjoyed living and working in southern California. They also enjoyed numerous travels, particularly as they frequently visited their children residing through the USA, Germany and Saudi Arabia. Raymond passed away in 1989 and Viola decided it was time to move back to Atlantic, moving into the Heritage House where she resided until her death.

Viola joined Raymond in support and involvement in a number of organizations including East Pottawattamie 4-H groups, Iowa Hampshire Hog organizations and the Atlantic High School FFA. Viola was personally active in a number of clubs and activities including the PET Club, Lutheran Church of Covina, Heritage House Ladies Aid and the Danish Museum in Elk Horn.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband, a sister Erva Petersen Jackson, a granddaughter Christina Rae Kelly and a great-grandson Rory Shane Stewart. Viola is survived by her four children, Col. Gene (Ellen) Schwartz, USAF (Ret) of Pinetown, NC, Paul (Christel) Schwartz of Brentwood, CA, Gerald (Jane) Schwartz of Greensboro, GA and Marlene (Bob) Schwartz Martin of Blue Springs, MO. Viola also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren, her brother, Arnold P. Petersen of Elk Horn, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in the greater Atlantic area.

In accordance with her wishes, Viola has been cremated and a private family service will be conducted at her interment at a later date.

Viola's children cannot thank enough the Director and the entire staff of the Heritage House for the loving care and support which they provided to our mother during her time of residence there. We also thank the local family members who were there for Mom when we could not be.

The family desires that any memorial gifts be sent to the Heritage House Good Samaritan Fund or to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, both of Atlantic, Iowa.

Hockenberry Family Care in Atlantic, Iowa has been entrusted with the care of Viola and her family.