Viola “Toots” Small, 94 of Onawa, IA, Formerly of Decatur, NE

Viola Small

VIOLA “TOOTS” SMALL, 94 years, of Onawa, Iowa, formerly of Decatur, Nebraska, passed away Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at the Elmwood Care Center in Onawa.

Viola (Lunz) Small was born February 7, 1919, in Thawville, Illinois, to August and Emma (Fuoss) Lunz. She entered into rest surrounded by her family Wednesday, November 13, 2013, at Elmwood Care Centre in Onawa, Iowa, at the age of 94 years.

Viola was working as a nurse aide on the pediatric floor of the Lutheran hospital in Sioux City, Iowa, when she was introduced to Walter W. Small Jr. by his sister, Helen. They were married August 14, 1955, in Martinsburg, Nebraska, and made their home on a farm near Decatur.  Viola raised Walter’s two young boys and helped on the farm beside her husband until they retired.

In their later years, they enjoyed going to Florida for the winter.  Viola loved to fish and often told her family she was a better fisherman than her husband. She loved her garden and taking long walks.

Viola was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Decatur and served as president of the Ladies Aid for many years.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; brothers, George, Chester, Will, Lee, and Cliff; sisters, Irene and Margaret; stepson, John Small.

Viola is survived by her husband of 58 years Walter W. Small Jr. of Onawa, sister, Dorothy Strong of Bronson, IA, four sisters-in-law, Helen Gatewood of South Sioux City, NE, Jane Lunz of Newcastle, NE, Bernice Lunz of Ponca, NE, Millie Lunz of Amarillo, TX ,  a stepson and two daughters-in-laws, Dan and Konnie Small of Decatur, NE, June Small of Sioux City, IA: 4 grandchildren;  6 step grandchildren;  19 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, November 18, 2013, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Decatur.

VISITATION: Sunday, November 17, 2013, 4 – 7 p.m. with the family receiving friends at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation Monday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur

MEMORIALS: Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com