In Memory of Viola Reichel

Viola Reichel, age 103, of Coon Rapids, formerly of Cambridge, died October 14, 2012 at Park River Estates Care Center in Coon Rapids.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 22nd at North Isanti Baptist Church in Cambridge with Rev. Adrian Sundberg officiating.  A visitation will be held from 3:00 – 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 21st at Strike Funeral Home – Isanti Chapel and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.

Viola Hulda Reichel was born on August 20th 1909 in Bodum, MN to Daniel and Ericka Nystrom Lindell. Viola’s first language was Swedish. When viola started school, Swedish was forbidden in the classroom. Only English was allowed and punishment waited for those spoke Swedish. Viola’s Swedish Heritage was important to her all of her life and she delighted to speak Swedish with any visitors. At Christmas, Lutefisk , potato sausage, and meatballs were always on the menu.

Another constant in Viola’s life was her Christian faith. She was baptized in Paul’s lake in July 1923. The family attended services at North Isanti Baptist and Viola sang in the choir. Her Christian walk included daily bible readings and prayer. She prayed for the entire family by name in the morning and said a collective prayer for all in the evening. She claimed that her prayers in Swedish went directly to heaven.

Viola and Adolph Clarence Reichel were married on September 22, 1926 in the Parlor of the North Isanti Baptist Church. Rev. CH Carlson performed the ceremony with Violet and Walter Reichel as witnesses. Viola and Adolph raised five children, Lloyd, Lowell, Larry, Gene, and Janice.  The coffee pot was always on at the Reichel’s where Viola served thousands of cups of coffee over the years. Viola felt her work here on earth was to feed those who came to her table.  Viola loved to crochet, knit and sew. Her favorite projects were the hand tied quilts. Dozens and dozens were made and of course were given away. Many baby blankets were so loved they turned in rags.  Viola’s long life has left a legacy of her Swedish Heritage, a strong Christian faith and a giving spirit.