Viola (Vi) May Hofer Bilodeau, 86, died on July 28 at Good Sam Hospice in Syracuse, NE.  She was a U.S. Navy Veteran.   Viola May Hofer was born on Oct. 10, 1927 in La Crosse, Wisconsin, daughter of  George and Anna Gerdes Hofer.  Vi grew up and attended school in La Crescent, MN.  She graduated from Aquinas High School in La Crosse, WI in 1945, where she excelled in the study of Latin. Vi attended the University of MN St. Mary’s School of Nursing before she joined the Navy Nursing program in Minneapolis.  While at the U. of MN, she met her future husband, Joseph Bilodeau.  On Feb. 20, 1951 Vi received her commission from the United States Navy.  As an Ensign, Vi  worked at the Naval Hospital in Great Lakes, IL.  She married Joseph Bilodeau on Sept. 15, 1951 in Waukegan, IL.  Vi worked as a registered nurse in Lincoln’s St. Elizabeth and Veteran’s Hospitals.  She retired from the Veteran’s Hospital in 1986.  Vi loved to dance and had a wonderful time traveling.  She was a gracious hostess and loved to entertain.  Her greatest joy in life was her children and precious  grandchildren.  Vi was dedicated to remembering birthdays, anniversaries and other special events.  She never failed to call, send a card, or flowers to celebrate each and every event.  She especially enjoyed holidays with all her family around her.

Vi is survived by her children:  Betty Jo and her husband, Bill Keith, of Lakota, ND; Mary and her husband, Dave Banks, of Richland, WA; David Bilodeau of Lincoln, NE; John Bilodeau and his wife, Mary, of Iowa; six grandchildren; brother  Jim Hofer and his wife, Angie, of La Crescent, MN; many nieces and nephews; and extended family in MN.  We’ll miss you, Mama.  Rest  with God.

Vi was preceded in death by her parents, George and Anna; brother Dave; and Joseph Bilodeau.

Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Friday, Aug. 1 at Wyuka Funeral Home in Lincoln, 3600 O Street.

Military Rites will be provided by the  American Legion Post #3 of Lincoln at the gravesite.

In lieu of flowers, Vi’s family asks that  memorial donations be sent to: Alzheimer’s Research Center, 640 Jackson St., St. Paul, MN 55101 Ph# 1-800-229-2872 alzheimersinfo.org (then click on donate).