Viola M. Michel, age 91, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Mala Strana Health and Rehabilitation Center. Viola was born on the family farm on February 12, 1932 to Henry and Cecelia (Wolf) Weiers. She attended Union Hill and New Prague High School and married Vincent Michel on June 27, 1951 at St. John's Catholic Church in Union Hill. She became an excellent helpmate on the farm and a mother extraordinaire to 13 children; sorrow would touch her heart with the loss of two of those children. Devotion to family defined her life and she loved nothing more than cuddling the newest baby and spending time with the growing grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an amazing cook, which included canning and baking. When her children were growing up, she baked 9 loaves of bread three times a week. Grandchildren knew there was always a cookie in the cookie jar! Her gardens were a source of enjoyment, showcasing both flowers and vegetables. With her gardens close to the road, many honks and visits were had when Viola was tending those gardens. She also liked to embroider and sew and made many quilts. If there was any free time left, Viola loved to read and was always up for a good crypto or murder mystery. Viola possessed a quick wit and her caregivers appreciated her one-liners. Always kind and caring, Viola's dedication to her family will be deeply missed.

Viola is survived by her children, Steven (Joan) of Belle Plaine, Ralph (Sue) of Lonsdale, Tom (Chris) of New Prague, Mary (Scott) Marvin of Blaine, Diane (Dave) Bonnema of Farmington, Beverly (Randy) Sauer of Jordan, Loraine (Scott) Allison of Savage, Sandy (Pat) Duffy of Birchwood, WI, Joyce (Matt) Hartman of Belle Plaine, Teresa (Paul) Tierney of Bloomington, Dan (Luv) of New Prague; 28 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Leona Weiers of Montgomery, Edna Weiers of New Prague, Mary Catherine Chromy of New Prague, Irene Michel of Bloomington. She is preceded in death by her husband, Vincent, on May 12, 2007; sons, Norbert (1976) & John in infancy; granddaughter, Gretchen Poulton; great-granddaughter, Natalie Michel; brothers, Norbert, Edwin "Speed", Flavian, & Francis Weiers.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at St. John's Catholic Church in Union Hill. Visitation will take place that morning at Bruzek Funeral Home from 8:30 – 10:30. Burial will occur at St. John's Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall.