Violet J. Slaymaker, age 91, died Thursday evening, October 20, 2005 at her home following a sudden illness. Funeral Services: 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 26, 2005, First United Methodist Church, Marengo with Rev. Morris Hurd and Rev. Alan Wiese officiating. Burial will be in the Koszta Cemetery. Friends may call from 3 to 8 P.M. Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo.

Survivors include four sons, Sam (Carole), Lee (Suni), Don (Shirley) and Steve (Jan), all of Marengo; two daughters, Alice Rohrer (Richard) of Hartwig, and Linda Kanke (Wayne) of Marengo; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren,5 great-great grandchildren and a sister Norma Kern of Mesa, AZ. Also surviving are a daughter-in-law Gerry Formanek of Marengo and 2 sisters-in-law, Lucille McVey of Marion, and Daisy Slaymaker of Belle Plaine. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray in 1977, a son Clement, 3 brothers, Leslie, Richard and one in infancy.

Violet Zigler was born August 2, 1914 in Iowa County, Iowa the daughter of Roy and Anna Margaret Myers Zigler. She received her education in the Iowa County Schools and married Ray C. Slaymaker on April 25, 1932 in Marengo, Iowa. The couple farmed in the area for many years. He died January 16, 1977. Besides a homemaker, Violet was employed at various businesses throughout her life, including Watts Nursing Home, the Marengo Hospital, the South Amana Bakery, Krysan Bakery and the Me Too Store.

Violet was a member of the First United Methodist Church, and the United Methodist Women. She was a lifetime member of the Marengo American Legion Auxiliary, serving at President for 6 years, and served as president of the Legion Auxiliary county chapter for 5 years. She supported multiple veteran programs, and was a member of R.S.V.P. Violet received the Governor’s Volunteer Award and the Iowa County Outstanding Senior Citizen Award.