Viola Dick

Viola (Wiens) Dick was born on February 28, 1919 near Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, the eldest child of Jacob H. and Hulda (Flaming) Wiens. Although the family roots were in Minnesota, her father had moved the family to Canada so he would not be drafted into the army to fight in WWI, which he considered a violation of his conscience. Viola was 10 years old and in the 5th grade, when the family moved back to Minnesota, leaving behind their farm in Saskatchewan. She completed that school year and began the next year at the Mt. Lake Bible School, (now known as Mt. Lake Christian School). Viola also attended the Mt. Lake Public School for a short time. When the family moved to a farm 4 miles north of Windom, MN, she attended a country grade school 2 miles from their home through the 8th grade. At age 14, during Vacation Bible School, Viola accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior and a year later was baptized and became a member of the Carson Mennonite Brethren Church. She attended high school in Windom, and at one point contemplated quitting school. But her father would not allow her to quit. In 1935 the family moved to a farm 7 miles northwest of Mountain Lake. Viola however continued her education at Windom High School, living in an apartment in Windom during her last year. Following her high school graduation in 1937, Viola joined her parents on their farm northwest of Mt. Lake. Less than a mile from this farm lived a young man named Anton Dick. They both sang in the Carson church choir and soon a relationship between them began to flourish. On July 12, 1938, Viola and Anton Dick were married. Four children were born into this family, three sons, Mervin, Ronald, James, and one daughter, Loretta. Following their marriage, Viola moved with her husband to Delft, MN where Anton owned and operated a blacksmith shop. After four years, in 1942, they moved to Anton's home farm, where they began farming as their primary vocation. Throughout their years of farming, Viola was a faithful partner and encouragement to her husband. Sometimes the farming was difficult and Anton would become somewhat discouraged. They even contemplated a move to the West Coast at one point. But Viola always stood by her husband and tried to encourage him. In 1943 new life was injected into the farming operation by diversifying into a turkey enterprise on the farm, which they continued to manage for a number of years. Later they purchased and moved the family to Viola's 160 acre home farm which they continued to operate until retirement. Here they built a large pole barn and initiated a turkey laying hen business in collaboration with several hatcheries. Viola packed many of the eggs that were sent to the various hatcheries with which they had contracts. Following retirement, Viola and Anton spent ten winters in McAllen, Texas. They also spent time in Italy and Japan, assisting with construction projects for several of her cousins who were missionaries. In 1995, Viola and Anton moved to the Park View Estates in Mountain Lake, where they resided until October 2006, when they moved to Eventide Estates. In May 2007, Viola and Anton moved to the Good Samaritan Village where they shared a room, very pleased that they could continue to live together. Viola loved to quilt and was very active in the Women's Mission Society (WMS) of the Carson church, serving in various positions in the WMS. Her love of quilting resulted in her children and grandchildren receiving handmade quilts and comforters. Viola loved babies and children, and so she served as Junior Sunday School Superintendent, taught various ages of children's Sunday School classes and served as Christian Endeavor leader. She loved to sing and sang in the Ladies Chorus of the Carson Church. Viola was a faithful and active member of the Carson congregation until it closed in 2005. At that time Viola and Anton became members of the Mt. Lake Community Bible Church. Viola was active in the larger community. She loved gardening in addition to quilting and sewing. She always had a beautiful flower and vegetable garden and was active in the neighborhood Flower and Garden Club. She also served on the auxiliary of the Christian Day School. When her mother, Hulda Wiens, moved to the Good Samaritan Home, Viola visited her often and provided for her needs there. Later on, for 15 years she and Anton went each week with a group of singers to the Good Samaritan Village to sing German hymns for the residents. Viola took great pleasure in spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren doing projects, cooking and reading stories. The grandchildren have fond memories of camping trips in grandma and grandpa's motor home. Viola was known for her generous hospitality, a trait she learned from her mother. When guest speakers served in their church, they often stayed at the home of Viola and Anton. Returned missionaries, conference officials as well as their many friends from out of town would often stay with them. Viola was a good cook and fixed very delicious meals for these guests. Her daughter, daughters-in-law and granddaughters have incorporated many of her recipes in to their collections. She and Anton loved the various pastors who served their church, often entertaining them in their home. She would also entertain her guests with many stories. Viola's life can perhaps be best summed up by these words from the book of memories she wrote and presented to her family several years ago: "You cannot do it on your own, but ask God to be your guide. Love people and show them Christian love through you. Display and participate in hospitality ..." Viola's husband of over 70 years, Anton, preceded her in death by only 21 days. She is survived by her sons Mervin (Jane) of Frederick, CO, Ronald (Sandra) of Virginia, MN and James (Diane) of Mt. Lake, her daughter Loretta (Bernard) Larson of St. Paul, MN, 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, one great, great grandchild, and one sister, Martha (Arlyss) Funk of Lakewood, CO. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Jacob H. and Hulda Wiens, her sister Rosella (Wiens) Jost, her brother, Albert Wiens, and one grandson, Perry Dick.