Vivian M. Ficker (Lipp), age 87 of Hastings, died peacefully at Inver Glen Senior Living on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 29, 2024.
Vivian Marie Ficker was born on Aug. 25, 1937, in Strasburg, ND, to Mathias and Mary Lipp. At the age of 14, Vivian left home to attend the School Sisters of Notre Dame in Mankato, MN. Unable to go home for the holidays due to weather, her classmates invited her to the Ficker farm. It was there that she met their brother Paul, who was home on military leave. A long-distance friendship soon turned into love. Paul and Vivian were married on Sept. 2, 1961, and made Hastings, MN, their home. Together, they raised five children.
Vivian’s first teaching job was at the age of 23 in North Dakota. Her passion for teaching continued throughout most of her life. She taught early education and religious education at St. Boniface Catholic School. Later, she started teaching at St. Mary’s Catholic School in New Trier, where she became principal and athletic director. After leaving her teaching career, she worked at the Dakota County Survey Office and retired in 1998.
Vivian dedicated her life to her family, faith, and church. In her retirement, she attended daily mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, where she enjoyed being a lector, Holy Communion minister, and singing in the choir. She became a full-time volunteer for SEAS, Augustana, and Regina Medical Hospital. She was also a member of the Hastings Auxiliary Club. Vivian loved cooking, baking, and canning. Some of the greatest memories her grandchildren have are of her cooking delicious treats. She also had a passion for reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Vivian is preceded in death by her husband Paul, her son Michael, her parents Mathias and Mary Lipp. Her in-laws Michael and Theresa Ficker. Her sister Viola, and brothers-in-law Stanley, Alois, Jerome, Joe Ficker, Robert Bosh, James Hanson, Raymond LaValla, and Donald Lorentz. Her sisters-in-law Bernadette Lorentz and Teresa Madland, and nephew Kenneth Lorentz.
Vivian is survived by her children, Mark Ficker, Maureen (Chris) Schulz, Nancy (Tim) Stokke, Tamara (Adam) Fleming, and daughter-in-law Stacy Ficker. Her grandchildren, Tanya (Anthony) Schulze, Travis (Nicole) Stokke, Bailey Stokke, Mary Fleming, Kristi (Mike) Schulz, Sara Ficker, Emma Fleming, Madison Ficker, Paul Schulz, Jackson Fleming, Charles Fleming, Paul Ficker, Zachary (Stacia) Schulz, and Samantha Schulz. And great-grandchildren, Easton, Quinn, and Reed Stokke, Ryenn Stokke, Arlo, Willa Schulze, Luna Schulz, and Baby Johnson on the way. Her siblings, Betty Hanson, Mathias (Carol) Lipp, and Patty (Stan) Cebula. Her sisters-in-law Mary LaValla, Sr. Rose Ann Ficker, Pat (Ken) Carl, Elaine Ficker, Phyllis Ficker, Pat Ficker, Virginia (Jack) Majeski, and many nieces, nephews, and former students.
She dedicated her life in service of God, and the gates of Heaven await her.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 12 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in New Trier, 8433 239th St. East, Hampton, MN 55031, with Father Scott Carl and Father Michael Tix officiating.
Family and friends were cordially invited to a visitation from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday evening at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings, and for two hours prior to Mass at church on Wednesday.
For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral.com.
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
