Vivian A. Schermann, 84, of Moville, IA (formerly of Mitchell, SD and Lake Andes, SD) died Sunday May 15, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, IA. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Friday, May 20, 2016 at Will Funeral Chapel in Mitchell, SD with burial at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday May 19, 2016 at the Will Funeral Chapel.

Vivian Anna Hoffman was born to Emanuel and Anna (Sperlich) Hoffman on October 28, 1931 at Dudley Township, Aurora County, SD. As a small child, Vivian and her parents moved to Delmont to care for her Grandfather Hoffman. She was confirmed into the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church, Delmont, SD.

Vivian told of how she wanted to join the band while in school. Her mother did not think that was a good idea. Not long after, her father came home with a black case. It was a used silver trumpet! She was not a proud member of the band! When her children later would take piano lessons from Mrs. Feeney, Vivian also took piano lessons. She enjoyed traditional hymns and the Gaither Gospel hour.

While in high school, Vivian worked as a telephone operator for the Delmont exchange. Vivian graduated valedictorian from Delmont High School in 1949. She graduated from Mitchell Business College in 1950 and began to work for the United States Department of Agriculture, Farmers Home Administration, in Armour, SD.

When the office moved to Lake Andes, so did Vivian. At Lake Andes, she met and fell in love with a man by the name of Marinus. Vivian was united in marriage with Marinus Paul Schermann on July 16, 1953 at Delmont, SD. To this union, five children were born. Marinus would continue to love and care for her, until the end of his earthly life, in December of 2006.

While raising their family, summer vacations were spent in Minnesota at the Schermann cousins. Sunday evenings might be spent over a bowl of popcorn with the Brosz cousins. Big city getaways were in Sioux Falls with the Berry cousins. Marinus and Vivian enjoyed following Mike to his Special Olympic competitions after the older children were leaving the nest.

Vivian retired after 43 years of civil service in 1994. In 2006, Vivian began kidney dialysis treatments. She faced her health issues with courage, optimism and faith. After spending two years at Holy Spirit Retirement Home, Vivian lived 3 years with her son and his family in Moville, IA. Vivian enjoyed rides in the car (having never driven a motor vehicle herself), old westerns, the sunshine and potato salad.

Vivian is survived by her children: Lucille Schermann, Mitchell, SD, Steven (Judy) Schermann, Moville, IA, Sylvia (Lynn) Vlasman, Presho, SD, Mary DeWaard, Stickney, SD, Michael Schermann, Mitchell, SD; two sisters, Mary Jane (Gilbert) Brosz, Delmont, SD and Betty Berry, Sioux Falls, SD; a sister-in-law, Mary (Clayton) Otto, Hew Hope, MN; grandchildren, Crystal Hofer, Joshua Vlasman, Derek DeWaard, Dustin DeWaard, Stephanie DeWaard and Brittany Schermann; step grandchildren, Melissa Frankenstein and Brian Braun; three great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, parents-in-law, and five brothers-in-law.

The family would like to extend their gratitude for the care and compassion of all the staff at Mercy Medical Center, FMC Midwest Dialysis and Holy Spirit Retirement Home.