Vivian Marmesh

Vivian Marmesh, a radiant soul and a precious gift from God, passed into Heaven to join her Husband (Gus) and sons (Roger and Bryan) on December 16th, 2013. Vivian will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to have known her and shared her life. Vivian O. Balcom was born in Rochester, MN on Oct 3rd, 1921. Vivian grew to love her city and was proud to have graduated from Rochester High School. She was a very bright student and especially love history. Vivian (Mom) met her soul mate, Gus Marmesh, at the age of 17 and they were married 2 years later in 1940 in a little church in Austin, MN. Vivian and Gus were a matched forged in heaven. They enjoyed so much together, church, participating in sports, out-door sports, dancing, and spending time with their many friends. During the war years Mom followed Dad around the country and set up home wherever the military took them. After Vivian and Gus were married they started a family during and after the war years and settled in Austin, MN. After the war, most of their attention and time was focused on their 5 children (Bryan, Roger, Susan, Marcia, and myself (Gregg)) and we became the joy and love of their lives. They embraced their roles as parents, enjoying the many treasures of life they had built, and helping their children grow strong, carefree, and loving adults by their own example. Vivian was a stay at home mom for many years but her interests (mainly her children) and community activities keep her very busy. Mom was a member of the Does, Austin School Board, Brownies and Girl Scout leader, was a very active member of Christ Episcopal Church, and spent much of her time shuffling us kids to church events, piano lessons, band lessons, sporting events, brownies, girl scouts, boy scouts, and to and from our friends houses . I personally remember the many times our house and garage would be full of many church members all with their sleeves rolled up working diligently to fill storage crocks with shredded cabbage to make sauerkraut for the annual sauerkraut and pork dinner fund raiser at our church and at the fairgrounds. Mom made our home the place that all of us kids friends felt welcomed and enjoy hanging out at. Myself, having been the youngest of Mom and Dad’s five children left for college in the early 70’s and Mom went to work selling Real Estate. Mom was well connected to the community and turned out to be a natural salesman. Vivian had many wonderful friends with whom she enthusiastically maintained friendships with throughout the years. Vivian made all of the holidays a special time of the year with her perfection to details which brought smiles and joy to family and friends throughout her life. After the passing of her husband (Gus) in 2007 her focus shifted to her daughters, myself, and mostly the 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren. She was so very proud of the fact that she was part of the “Greatest Generation that ever lived”. She not only loved being part of this generation but live it every day with high morals, standards, and enough love to go around for everyone, everyday of her life. Mom we love you and can only hope and pray that you, Dad, Bryan, and Roger have scoped out the best camp grounds, fishing holes, and sporting events so we can all continue to enjoy some more quality family time together some day. God Bless and Goodbye. We love you.