Viola Zietz , 82, Minot, formerly of Burlington, died Sunday, March 15, 2009 in a Minot Hospital.

Viola was born March 10, 1927 near Russell, North Dakota, the daughter of Adolph and Tillie (Ruby) Wagner. She was raised and educated near Russell, and moved with her family to Minot, where she graduated from Minot High School. During her younger years, she was employed at the Woolworth Store in downtown Minot.

Viola was united in marriage to Johnny Zietz on October 14, 1948 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot. They made their home west of Burlington, in the project area, where together, they raised their family of seven sons. Their home was a gathering place for all the neighborhood kids to come and join in on all the daily activity. They moved to Minot in 1980. Johnny died June 19, 2003.

Viola was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church and enjoyed reading, playing scrabble and shopping for family on the QVC channel. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and their families, especially during the holiday seasons.

Her loving family includes , sons, John (Susan) Zietz, Minot, Rick (Maureen Dickinson) Zietz, Minot, Tim (Gayla) Zietz of Des Lacs, Terry Zietz, Fargo, Tracy (Serena) Zietz, Minot and Randy Zietz, Bottineau and Margie of Burlington; sixteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond Wagner, San Leandro, CA; sisters, Leila Schammel, Oceanside, CA, Carol Carmichael, Washington, and Avis King, Minot and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Mitchell, infant daughter, Julie and grandson, Jesse.

Funeral service : Friday, March 20, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Minot;
Interment : Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot;
Visitation: Thursday from 2:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot;