Passed away on July 16, 2020 at the age of 71.  Preceded in death by her husband James “Jim” Medhurst.  Mother of Bonnie (Jim) Reynolds, Stacy Schwab and Jason Medhurst.  Loving grandmother to Ava, Lily, Cora and Zach.  Further survived by other family and friends.

Violet loved to have a good time and laugh.  She welcomed everyone into her home and into her life.  There were countless gatherings for dinners or to have a drink, to play games or to tell stories all of which ended in joyful laughing by all.  When you were with Vi you felt loved and special.

Vi was a caregiver all of her life.  While she raised her 3 children, she ran an in-home daycare for 18 years where many children experienced her love and care.  After her children were grown, she worked at Waukesha Memorial Hospital in catering and food service.  Because of her dedication to her family, she retired early to care for her grandchildren who were her greatest joy.

One of Vi’s most remarkable qualities was her “sisu”.  Sisu is a Finnish word meaning stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit and resilience.  She had sisu all her life, but she particularly showed her sisu the last two years while battling pancreatic cancer with strength and positivity. She has definitely set the bar for having sisu in her Finnish family!

Visitation will be on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home in Sussex from 12pm until time of service at 2pm.  Private burial will take place at Sunnyside Cemetery in Lannon on Monday, August 2, 2021.

In lieu of flowers, please give a memorial to the charity of your choice in memory of Vi.