Viola M. Bibow

Viola M. Bibow

February 21, 1928 – November 7, 2020

Viola M. Bibow, 92, of Omaha, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2020.

Vi was born on February 21, 1928 in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska, to Peter H. Knuth and Minnie (Jurgens) Knuth.  She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran church.  Vi attended rural District 34 southwest of Cedar Bluffs and was a graduate of Cedar Bluffs High School.

After graduation, she worked for Mutual of Omaha Insurance Company and resided in Omaha.  While Vi was working in Omaha, she took instructions in the Catholic faith and received her First Communion on Christmas Eve in 1947.  On a visit to her hometown, Cedar Bluffs, Vi met her future husband, Francis Bibow, who was in partnership with his brother-in-law, Harper Hemenway, in a hardware business.  Francis and Viola were united in marriage in St. Mary’s Church in Cedar Bluffs on January 24, 1948.

As a married couple, they enjoyed dancing in the many ballrooms in the area, traveling, fishing, playing cards and entertaining.  Viola worked actively in the hardware store for many years after Francis bought out his partner to become sole owner.  She developed a gift area and custom paint mixing service within the store.

In later years, Vi owned and operated Cedar Lakes Tavern and lived near the small lakes on the property.  She enjoyed creating an atmosphere where people from the area could socialize, listen to music and enjoy a meal.

During her work career, Vi was also employed by Hartford Sand and Gravel in Fremont, Ward’s in Omaha, Cline Williams Wright Johnson & Oldfather Law, OB-GYN, University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Data Security, Inc., all of Lincoln.

Vi loved being with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as “Nema.”  For many years, she stayed close to her brothers and sisters across the country with letters and phone calls.  They all shared a quick wit and keen sense of humor.  She enjoyed baking and sharing her trademark “fudge brownies,” gardening, reading, travel, sewing, church and community service.

When Vi was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, she was a past president and auditor in the parish and area women’s groups.  She served as national director of the church women’s group for three years and was a member of Catholic Daughters.  She was a parishioner in St. Pius X in Omaha for the last 17 years.

Vi was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 60 years and served as president and vice-president at the unit, county and state level.  The development of youth leadership and support for children and veterans was at the heart of her service.  She was a Junior Auxiliary leader, Girl’s State Vice President, and Girl’s State Counselor.  Vi as State President Chapeau of Eight and Forty.  She spent many hours volunteering at the Omaha and Lincoln Veteran’s Hospitals.  Vi was a past member of the Fremont Business and Professional Women’s Club.

Viola is survived by her daughters, Barb (Cary) Gray of Lincoln and Jane (Bill) Krajicek of Omaha; grandchildren: Jason (Amy) Gray of New Orleans, LA; Amy (Mike) Zeleny and Ryan Gray of Lincoln; Jeff (Quinn) Krajicek and Lisa (Lonny) Sund of Omaha; great-grandchildren: Claire, Katherine, John and Lauren Zeleny; Alexis Gray; Ella Penelope and Layla Krajicek and many nieces and nephews.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Arvilla (Glen) Hansen and Irma (Jack) Dinnell; brothers: Duane (Mary Ann) Knuth, Chester (Agnes) Knuth, Glen Arthur “Pete” (Joan) Knuth; and great-grandchild, Joshua J. Sund.

ROSARY Recitation: Friday, November 13^th at 10:30am, at St. Pius X Catholic Church (6905 Blondo St.) followed by MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL at 11am.  GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Friday, 2pm, Memorial Cemetery in Fremont, Nebraska.  Memorials are suggested to  Vi’s parish, St. Pius X Catholic Church or a charity of the family’s choice.

To view a live broadcast of the Service, go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Service” button on the homepage.