Vivian L. Johnson was born June 29, 1924 in Snoqualmie Falls (King Co.), Washington, the daughter of Martin C. and Viola (Cunningham) Johnson. As an infant she moved with her parents to a farm near Florence, MN. She attended grade school in District 68 and 63 prior to graduating as salutatorian in 1941, from Russell High School in Russell, MN. As a young lady she worked as a clerk in a general store in Russell.
She was united in marriage to Loyd “Pete” Buchert, December 12, 1942 in Tracy, MN. After their marriage, they made their home on a farm near Russell and later near Marshall, MN. In 1947 they moved to a farm-ranch north of Philip, SD. It was there that they raised their four children Twila, Vonnie, Terry, and Betty. She and Pete also took in a niece and nephew, Kendra and Brad Buchert, and kept them the years they were in grade school. Vivian helped milk cows and raised a lot of chickens, having a cream and egg route into town twice a week for years, and also sold fryers in the fall. In 1974 they moved a mile west of Philip, where they resided but continued to be active in the farm and ranch. Her husband Loyd “Pete” Buchert preceded her in death on April 2, 2005. She continued to reside at her home west of Philip she moved to the Silverleaf Assisted Living Center in 2007.
Vivian was a member of the Methodist Church in Philip. She made many quilts and crocheted afghans for her children and grandchildren. She also did counted cross stitch, crocheted doilies, and wrote poetry. Her book was called “Verse by Vivian”. She enjoyed making yard ornaments and she crocheted about 1450 names for people which are in homes and businesses all over the world.
Grateful for having shared her life is one son, Terry Buchert and special friend Rene Konst of Philip; three daughters, Twila Dean and her husband LeRoy of Belle Fourche, SD, Vonnie O’Dea and her husband Jim of Howes, SD, and Betty Smith and her husband Jim of Philip, SD; thirteen grandchildren Alan, Kristi, Brenda, Laurie, Sheryl, Susan, Holly, Lacey, Levi, Heidi, Marcy, Ashley, and Dustin; twenty-five great-grandchildren. She enjoyed them all so much. Vivian also leaves behind five brothers, Vernon Johnson and his wife Berniece of Stanchfield, MN, Merlin Johnson and his wife Alice of Lake Wilson, MN, Dolan Johnson and his wife Eyvonne of Russell, MN, Dick Johnson and his wife Marlys of Fulda, MN, and Darrel Johnson and his wife Karen of Balaton, MN; one sister, Eleanor Kroetch of Philip; three brothers-in-law Ross Buchert and his wife Agnes of Mankato, MN, Warren “Buddy” Buchert and his wife Marge of Rapid City, and Ray Nelson of Balaton, MN; a special niece and nephew Kendra Voiles and Brad Buchert; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Vivian was preceded in death by her husband Loyd Buchert on April 2, 2005; her parents, and two sisters, Jane Unger and Fern Nelson; and one brother Dudley Johnson.
Blessed be her memory.
Visitation was held 3-6 p.m. on Friday, December 17, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 18, at the United Church in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
A memorial is established.
Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 521, Philip, SD 57567
FUNERAL SERVICES
Saturday, December 18, 2010 - 2:00 p.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Kathy Chesney
MUSIC
Sally Jankord - Pianist
Glenn Parsons - Vocalist
“Amazing Grace”
“Beyond The Sunset”
“How Great Thou Art”
USHERS
Rita Ramsey - Cliff Ramsey
PALLBEARERS
Vivian’s Grandchildren
Alan Dean—Kristi Wood—Brenda Huffman
Laurie Foudray - Sheryl Schweitzer
Susan Deichert - Holly Phillips
Lacey Seager - Levi Buchert
Heidi Drury - Marcy Parsons
Ashley Heid—Dustin Smith
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
Now she is at peace. She was a special lady.
~ Rae Crowser
Philip (12/14/2010)
Betty and Families
I'm saddend to hear of Vivian's passing. It is a hard time of year to loose ones we love. May you be comforted in knowing that she is walking with God and no longer suffering.
I remember when we moved into our house here in Philip and came home to a name doily in the door! I had no idea who Vivian was and felt so blessed to have gotten something so special. It hangs in our house. I loved the name things so much, I started having Vivian do them for wedding gifts for me! I had several of them made at Christmas time a couple years ago for all of David and my families. It was a super special gift and we will cherish them forever.
Please feel all of the love you are getting at this most difficult time and please let me know if there is something I can do.
Love to you and God Bless
David, Michelle, Kelcey, Katie & Lukas
~ Michelle (Vander May) Butler
Philip SD (12/14/2010)
Keeping you all in our thoughts & prayers. What a wonderful lady, kind, thoughtful, & always had a smile. If you need anything please let us know. May God Bless you all. She is in a wonderful place. Steve & Pam
~ Pam Clements
Philip SD (12/14/2010)
You are all in my prayers. Vivian was a great lady and will be missed by lots. No matter what she always stayed positive. If anything is needed please let me know.
~ Tammy Williams
Midland (12/14/2010)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Vivian. What a sweet special person...always a smile. She is now in heaven smiling down on her wonderful family.
You all are in my prayers,
Theresa
~ Theresa Pekron
Westminster, CO (12/14/2010)
All of you family members have been gifted with special memorable keepsakes made by Vivian. Our family was so blessed to have been neighbors to the Bucherts many years ago and even now. The history of Vivian's life was more than the events that came her way, it was what she could experience within them: goodness, love and faithfulness. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Philip (12/14/2010)
Our sympathy goes out to you all. May good memories keep you smiling and the good Lord comfort you.
~ Buster & Nancy Peterson
Kadoka (12/14/2010)
Please except our condolences on you loss, she was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. Butch, Susan and Chyrl Amsden
~ Butch Amsden
Santa Rosa Ca (12/14/2010)
To the Family of Vivian; Oh, how my thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please be comforted in God's grace and peace at this time and the days to follow. I sure do remember many cool times of my life spent with Vivian and the family ! I got to spend the night with Kendra a few times- we were always going back and forth to each others houses in the country. One thing that always sticks out in my mind about Vivian, even when I was a kid, was her humming songs all the time as she was doing her chores and stuff. May all of your memories help you find peace. Love, Shar
~ Shar Moses
Philip (12/14/2010)
Deepest Sympathy to all of Vivian's family. We were surprised to read of her passing and will miss her when we visit Philip. She was a special lady and we know you all will miss her very much. Our prayers are with you all. Bev & Cork
~ Bev & Cork Jahner
Kerrville, Texas (12/14/2010)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. It is hard to loose our parents , but we know that they are looking down on us and not suffering anymore. Cherish all those good memories. God bless!!
~ Tucker and Bev Hudson
Howes, SD (12/14/2010)
I'm so sorry to hear of Vivian's passing. She was always so pleasant and friendly. I, too, have one of her of the names hanging on my wall. I've had it for many years. My sympathy to all of you. Elaine
~ Elaine Staben
Bozeman MT (12/14/2010)
We are so sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a very special lady and I enjoyed our visits. She was such a giving person and always busy. Such a lady at all times and always a smile and kind word. God Bless you all.
~ Gary and Julie Nixon
22401 Deadman Creek Rd Philip, SD 57567 (12/14/2010)
To Vivian's family,
I thought your mother was one of the nicest ladies that I had the honor of caring for. I will miss her very much. She always had a smile for me. If there is anything I can do, let me know.
~ Marilyn Uhrig
Philip (12/14/2010)
Our condolences to the Burchert family~May God be with all of you now and in the days ahead
~ Stulken, Petersen, Lingle, Walti & Jones
Pierre SD (12/14/2010)
I am so sorry to hear Vivian passed away. I will miss out special hugs whenever we saw each other. There are alot of special memories of her and we will cherish those in our hearts forever!!! We will miss her alot. God bless all her family. Kenny and Nancy Neville
~ Nancy Neville
Philip (12/14/2010)
Vivian and Lloyd were some of the first people I met when I started pastoring the church. Vivian was always a very gracious lady. Not only do I have a 'name plate', but she also gave me two metal work crosses-one made with horseshoes and the other with welded chain. I have them hanging on the entry to my house. May God bless you during this difficult time.
~ Mark Ford
St. Cloud, MN (12/14/2010)
To all of Vivian's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Though I didn't know Vivian well I know she and Lloyd were wonderful parents that raised one heck of a nice family, always so friendly and willing to help those around them. I know those qualities come from growing up in a loving home. May you find peace in your memories.
~ Tom and Jane Aasby
Rapid City, SD (12/14/2010)
May you all find comfort that others share your loss. Vivian was a very special lady who always was willing to give special comfort to those who needed it.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Memphis, TN (12/14/2010)
Dear Betty and all family, my deepest sympathy on the death of your mother. Many blessings to all of you at this sad time. Kay
~ Kay Foland
Rapid City (12/14/2010)
To the Buchert Family members, I have fond memories of Vivian always sharing magazines and a good conversation. I will always cherish the crocheted family name, my parents recieved a name this past summer for their 60th wedding anniversary, her special talent will remain forever in our lives. She will be missed greatly. May she rest in peace, my prayers are with the family.
~ Amelia Hurley
Philip (12/14/2010)
To all of you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Robert and Paula Reedy
PO Box 104, Vale, SD 57788 (12/14/2010)
What a grand lady Vivian was; kindhearted, thoughtful and unpretentious, with just a hint of mischief in her eyes. We would all be better people if we modeled ourselves after her and we ARE better for having known her.
~ Jeanie Waara
P.O. Box 369 Philip, SD 57567 (12/14/2010)
To all Vivians Family, we want to extend our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mother.
~ Lloyd and Rosi Royer
Waukee, Iowa (12/14/2010)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time in your lives. Vivian was such a sweet lady. God bless.
~ Jixm and Jessica Root
San Juan, TX (12/14/2010)
So sorry to hear of Vivian's passing. I have one of her crocheted names hanging on my wall. It is very special to me. She was a wonderful lady who will be greatly missed.
~ Ramsey Kendall
Rapid City (12/14/2010)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. She and Pete raised some great kids, and that is a wonderful legacy to be remembered for.
~ Karen Hanson
Rapid City (12/14/2010)
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. I always enjoyed her visits when she would come to the Building Center to have me photo copy pictures for her. She was so proud of all of you! Take Care!
Gods Blessings,
Jake, April, Riley & Tara Schofield
~ April Schofield
Philip, SD (12/14/2010)
Our thoughts are with you all. Remember the wonderful memories you have! Take Care! God Bless!
Shannon, Heidi, Paige and Carter
~ Shannon and Heidi Buchert
1483 State Hwy 91 Russell, MN. 56169 (12/14/2010)
Out thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Remember all the wonderful memories you have. Take care and God bless! Love, Shannon, Heidi, Paige and Carter Buchert
~ Shannon and Heidi Buchert
Russell, MN (12/14/2010)
Terry, my wife Nanci are so sad for you and your families loss.. Our deepest sympathy and prayers go out to you all during this holiday season!!!!
Cort @ Nanci Wright (formerly of great western tire
Rapid City S.D.
~ Cort Wright
4223 Mack Dr. Rapid City SD 57703 (12/14/2010)
Terry, my wife Nanci and I are so very sorry for the familys loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and all thru this holiday season.
Cort and Nanci Wright
~ Cort Wright
4223 Mack Dr. Rapid City SD 57703 (12/14/2010)
Vivian was truly a lady..through and through. Our "Moriarty" means more to us because of the kind of lady she was. May God grant you peace and comfort.
~ Kara (Gittings) Moriarty
Anchorage, AK (12/14/2010)
She was a wonderful lady that I thought alot of.Alway so friendy and down to earth. Just loved her crocheted names, now when I look at them I'll always think of her. God bless.
~ Bill and Pennie Slovek
Philip (12/14/2010)