Vivolyn Keninger

Vivolyn Katherine Keninger was born on January 19, 1923, in German Township, Grundy County, Iowa, the daughter of Ray and Ella Toomsen. She grew up on a farm near Wellsburg, Iowa, attended a country school and was a member of St. Peter's Reformed church. She graduated from Ackley High School and enrolled in Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls. She married Bernard Keninger in 1944 and moved to Spencer in 1950. She was a member of Sacred Heart Church where she belonged to the Altar Society and was a lifelong member of the Catholic Daughters of America. Over the years she gave generously of her time and talents and always said that her faith, her family and her church were her most important priorities. Viv loved to read and to travel, and spent hours at her computer doing genealogical research. She was a talented writer whose history of Sacred Heart Church has been a valuable resource for the parish. She enjoyed writing poetry and was honored to have won the Spencer Public Library's 3rd Annual Poetry Contest. In her more active years, she enjoyed sewing and volunteered many hours sewing costumes for the Spencer community theater. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a daughter-in-law, Mary Jane Keninger, one granddaughter, Marie Keninger, and a great-grandson, Joseph Reha. She is survived by her children Patricia Day (Dennis) of Oregon, WI, Raymond (Sue) of Ackley, Iowa, Mary Ryan (Michael) of Ottumwa, Iowa, Edward, of Newton, Marti Bomgaars (Steve) of Spencer, and John of Des Moines; 16 grandchildren, and a whole slew of great-grandchildren. Viv often said she had been richly blessed throughout her life. She died February 28 at St. Luke's Lutheran Home and although she will be missed greatly, she will be remembered for her positive attitude, her cheerful personality and her remarkable ability to deal with problems and difficulties. In her later years she often prayed that she wouldn't turn into a crabby old lady-and her prayer was answered. The courage and faith with which she handled adversity has been an inspiration to all who love her. My Psalm O Lord, How many are the gifts you have given me. More abundant are they than the drops of water in the sea or stars in the Milky Way. From the day of my birth You have blessed me. You provided me with parents who welcomed me with love, and taught me to walk in Your ways. You called me to the vocation of marriage; a marriage You continue to bless even longer than half a century. Motherhood has been my joy and fulfillment, and now I know the blessings of the third and fourth generations. I rejoice with the psalmist and with him do confidently say, 'Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life. and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.' ~ Vivolyn Keninger July, 2000

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