Vivienne “Viv” Sunder
Vivienne “Viv” Sunder, of Jordan, passed away peacefully on November 12, 2024 at the age of 94.
A “Bohemian” Visitation will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan. Mass of Christian Burial is Saturday, November 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 10:00 – 10:45 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church (16400 Duluth Ave. SE) in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and Viv’s grandchildren will act as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Bernice Hoffman, Kristen Charette, Mary (Sunder) Feltman, Barb (Undesser) Wolner, Lois Lambrecht, Sharon Simon and Gloria Steven. Viv will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Rollie and son, Mark at Calvary Cemetery in Jordan.
On April 24, 1929, Vivienne Charlene Bauer was born to parents Charles & Albina (Prokes) Bauer. Viv grew up in Montgomery and was always very proud of her Bohemian heritage. Viv’s older brother Harvery was already out of the house, so Viv mostly grew up as an only child. When Viv was just 13 years old, her mother died. Viv’s aunt, Lena Stopa, moved to Montgomery to help raise her. Viv grew up quickly and became a very strong woman. She placed great importance on family and was often the glue that held everyone together.
After High School, Viv attended Miss Wood’s Teachers School. Viv was very proud of her education and loved being a teacher. Her first job was in St. James, and she had many wonderful colleagues who quickly became friends. Although Viv put her career on hold to start a family of her own, she went back to her teaching roots once her kids were grown. She even earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Mankato State.
As a young woman, Viv met a handsome young man at a local bar in Jordan. His name was Rollie Sunder. Viv and Rollie fell in love and exchanged wedding vows on September 1,1949. Viv and Rollie settled in Jordan and lived above The Sunder Store. When their family grew, they bought their home on the creek. Viv loved their home and took wonderful care of it. She was an excellent homemaker. Viv kept a very clean home and made delicious meals for her family. She was extremely proud of her Bohemian heritage which was always apparent in her cooking and baking! She was famous for her pickled relish, sweet mustard and red beets. Viv also had beautiful flowers out front and loved watching the ducks and birds on the Mill Pond from her kitchen window.
As a family, the Sunders enjoyed spending time with extended family, friends and neighbors. Viv cultivated strong friendships and truly cared about those in her life. They liked taking Rollie’s boat out on Lake Minnetonka, and Viv always had a full meal for the family to enjoy on the boat. As the kids grew, Viv was able to pursue some of her own passions again. She began teaching in the Jordan School District. She truly embraced the teacher’s life and absolutely loved her work. Later, she continued her passion for teaching by tutoring family members and always teaching her grandkids new things. Next, Viv moved on to Rosemont Engineering for 20+ years. She welded circuit boards and enjoyed training in new employees. She also spent many years at ADC before officially retiring. Viv was a hard worker, but the best part of her job was the social aspect. She always made dear friends along the way.
In her free time, Viv enjoyed shopping, spending time with her girlfriends and never missed a chance to dress up. Viv also enjoyed traveling. The most meaningful trip of Viv’s life was when she and Rollie visited Prague and got to see the home where her mother was born.
Viv was always very active and generous with her time and talents. She made desserts for the church youth group, was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, was a Cub Scout Leader, made prayer shawls, led the prayer line for St. John’s, did perpetual adoration, volunteered for funeral luncheons, completed year-long devotionals, was active in the DFL party and delivered Meals on Wheels well into her 80’s.
Viv led a beautiful life, but there were also many challenges along the way. Losing her son Mark was the hardest thing she ever faced. This was so heartbreaking for Viv, but her strong faith and love of family helped to get her through it. Viv was such a strong, independent, caring and fearless woman. She was a champion for the underdog and led her life with an open heart and arms for those who struggled.
She now lives on in the hearts of her family. Viv is survived by her children, Gregg (Lora) Sunder, Maureen (Pat) Lynch, Kate (Paul) Parparian, Charlie (Mary) Sunder; grandchildren, Joseph (Kate), John Erik (Inés), Jennifer (John), Chris, Jack, Nick (Amanda), Tony, Jake (Holly); great-grandchildren, Miles, Nina, Gwyneth Vivienne, Elena and Raleigh; brother-in-law, Paul Sunder; other loving relatives and many dear friends.
Viv was greeted in Heaven by her husband of 61 years, Roland “Rollie” Sunder; son, Mark Sunder; parents, Charles & Albina Bauer, Lena Stopa; brother, Harvey (Maxine) Davis; brothers-in-Law, Len (Josephine) Sunder and Lee (Gert) Sunder; sister-in-law, Betty Sunder.
