Viola M. Seward

Viola M. Seward, 78, of Richwood, MN, died Thursday, March 14, 2013, in Sanford Health, Fargo, ND.

Viola Mae Shaw was born on February 8, 1935, in Sugarbush Township, MN to Fred and Mary Morrison Shaw. She attended country schools in rural Richwood, MN. Viola then moved to Fargo-Moorhead, residing in Golden Ridge in Fargo. She worked as a waitress and cook at various restaurants over the years. Viola married Francis Seward and together they had six children. They later divorced. In 1970, Viola moved to Lake Park, MN and she met Allen Knopf, her lifelong companion.

Viola was a strong woman who had many tragedies in life including the Fargo Tornado of 1957. At the age of 60 years old she taught herself how to use the computer and started researching her family genealogy. This became her favorite hobby. She also enjoyed playing guitar, singing, woodworking and crafts. Family was very important to Viola. She was close to her sister Dorothy, who she cared for. She also loved to be with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her Godchildren are Kevin, Kirk and Kenny.

Viola is survived by companion, Allen Knopf, Richwood, MN; three daughters, Mary Kevin Boit, Detroit Lakes, MN, Vicki Dan Alder, Lake Park, MN and Dawn Seward, Moorhead, MN; son-in-law, Gene Bartnes; 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Nena Bartnes; sons, Joe and Jeff Seward; son-in-law, Dennis Mackner; siblings, Marie Moran, Fritz, Dick, Jackie, and Lilian Shaw.

Visitation: Tuesday, March 19, 2013, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Lake Park, MN.

Funeral: Wednesday, March 20, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Lake Park Lutheran Church, Lake Park, MN.