Viola Marie Schlenker (Haag), 92, slipped away peacefully to join the Lord on May 15, 2010. Viola was residing at Mother Joseph Care Center in Olympia. Viola was born in Fredonia, N.D., on Jan. 9, 1918, to David and Lena Haag. Viola’s grandfather helped build the Lutheran church in Fredonia, N.D. where Viola played the piano and the organ from the age of 10 through high school and nurses training. She graduated from Kulm High School in 1937. She continued her education by attending nurses training at Trinity Hospital in Jamestown, N.D. She graduated as a registered nurse in 1941.

Viola also worked as a registered nurse for the Army Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. This is where she first met Arthur Schlenker. Often Viola and Art would go dance to Lawrence Welk’s three-piece band who played in his uncle’s barn in Aberdeen, N.D. Viola and Arthur Schlenker were married on May 2, 1943 in Jamestown, N.D.

Art and Vi moved their family from Jamestown to Lacey, Wash., in 1952. She remained in her Lacey home until 2008. Viola may most likely be remembered as Dr. Ehler’s nurse where she helped care for patients for many years. She and Art enjoyed the outdoors; camping, fishing and boating. Her greatest joy was cooking and caring for her family and enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Viola is survived by her three sons, Gary Schlenker and wife Chong, Oak Harbor; Michael J. Schlenker, Olympia; and Dennis Schlenker, wife Cheryl, Mossyrock; two brothers, Bert and Roger Haag; one sister, Lynn Reese of Olympia; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Viola’s life at Mills and Mills Memorial Park in Tumwater on June 5, 2010, at 11 a.m. with a reception following in the Hospitality Room. The family asks in lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Make A Wish Foundation.