Vivian Madonna Stuekerjuergen, 92, West Point, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on Thursday, August 31, 2023 with her family at her side.
Vivian was born to John and Eleanor (Rueter) Mertens on September 22, 1930. As a young girl, she loved playing with her siblings. She graduated from St. John’s Catholic School in Houghton, where she enjoyed her studies and her classmates. Her nickname at school was “Mert.”
Vivian’s first jobs after high school were at a bank and at the USDA extension office in Donnellson. She met her husband, Robert “Bob” Stuekerjuergen, at the Rose Garden in West Point. They were married at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, on July 29, 1952, after Bob returned from the Korean War. They enjoyed 61 years together.
After raising her family, Vivian worked at Merschman Furniture as a bookkeeper and salesperson, at which she excelled until her retirement.
Vivian took great pride in her five children and was an accomplished homemaker. In her later years, she thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vivian loved the Fall. She relished drives in the country to enjoy the autumn colors and attend area harvest festivals. She was a voracious reader, and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Other interests included gardening, flowers, cooking, baking, and sewing. She made delicious black raspberry pies.
Vivian looked forward to visits with close friends and hosting family gatherings, especially at Christmas. She greatly appreciated time with her morning coffee group at J&M, where she was known for weaving people together with graciousness and good conversation. Vivian was stylish and had a flair for fashion. She had sensible, solid values, but could also be fun and witty.
Vivian is survived by sons: John (Patrice) Stuekerjuergen and Brian (Judy) Stuekerjuergen; daughters: Joan (Steve) Conrad, Susan Skog, and Ann (Kirk) Garmager; grandchildren: Erik Stuekerjuergen; Jaclyn (Michael) Fackler; Dan (Alicia), and Brent Stuekerjuergen; Jeff and Evan Skog; and Allison and Lauren Garmager; great-grandchildren: Ella Stuekerjuergen and Heidi Fackler; siblings: Audrey (Henry “Hank”) Holtkamp, Joe Mertens, and Jerry (Dorothy “Dottie”) Mertens; and a sister-in-law: Mary (Richard “Dick”) Klesner.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Bob; brother: Francis Mertens and sisters: Mary Feik, Eileen Wheeler, Vera Carney, and Judy Moeller; and son-in-law: Jim Skog.
Mrs. Stuekerjuergen has been entrusted to the crematory of Schmitz Funeral Homes for cremation.
Her family will greet friends on Saturday, September 16, 2023 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at St. James the Less Catholic Church in St. Paul, Iowa.
A Mass of Christian burial will immediately follow the visitation, at the church with Father Dan Dorau as celebrant.
Burial will be at St. James Cemetery in St. Paul.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. James the Less Catholic Church or to Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington. Donations may be directed to the family or to Schmitz Funeral Home, West Point.
Schmitz Funeral Home of West Point is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.schmitzfuneralhomes.com.
