Vivian Wubbels

Vivian Wubbels, age 79, of Willmar, died Sunday morning, December 21, after a brief stay at Bethesda Heritage Center in Willmar from complications of acute myeloid leukemia.

Vivian was born January 24, 1935, in St. Johns Township, Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, the daughter of Edward and Minnie (Van Heuveln) Haats.  She grew up in the Raymond community and graduated from Raymond High School.  Vivian's first job was at the Pennock Creamery.  She then moved to Willmar to work for Bell Telephone as a switchboard operator.  In Willmar she met her future husband Jerome Wubbels.  They were married on May 21, 1954, at Bethany Reformed Church in Clara City. Jay and Viv made their home in Willmar for fifty years, where they raised their two daughters.  Vivian also worked part-time over the years at First National Bank, Buttrey's clothing store and Gurley's Foods.  Vivian was a wonderful baker and especially enjoyed making cookies for her grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Cathy (Roger) Willroth of Ames, IA and Patti (Gary) Pronschinske of Hastings, MN; three grandchildren, Jillian Pronschinske, Michael Pronschinske and Megan Willroth; a sister, Jolene (Dean) Sagedahl; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerome Wubbels; and two brothers, Charles Haats and Gary "Butch" Haats.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, December 27, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar (www.petersonbrothers.com) with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Cloverleaf Memorial Park Cemetery in Willmar at a later date.

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