Vivian Hemesath

Vivian Catherine (Bodensteiner) Hemesath, 89, of Ossian, IA, peacefully passed in the morning hours of November 13, 2023.

Vivian was born on July 10, 1934, to parents John S. Bodensteiner and Katherine "Rena" A. (Meinert) Bodensteiner of St. Lucas, IA. Vivian graduated from St. Luke's High School in 1952 and married Francis J. Hemesath on August 30, 1955. A woman of remarkable resilience and spirit, her life was the embodiment of dedication and love for her family. Her intelligence, kind heart and wit, led her to bring joy and laughter to those around her, even in her final days. Vivian's love, wisdom and cherished memories will forever be remembered and live on through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The family would like to give a special thank you to the staff at Ovation Heartwood Preserve, whose amazing love, care and attention allowed Vivian to live her last days with joy, compassion and dignity.

Vivian is preceded in death by her parents Katherine "Rena" (Meinert) Bodensteiner (1901-1949), John Bodensteiner (1898-1965), husband Francis Hemesath (1929-2008), sister Germaine (Bodensteiner) Hemesath (1929-2009), and brother Eugene Bodensteiner (1936-2018). Vivian is survived by her eight children, Wayne Hemesath, Kevin Hemesath (Carolyn Ott), David Hemesath (Julie Gehling), Cathy (Hemesath) Howell (Bob Howell), Daniel Hemesath (Kimberley Boyer), Dean Hemesath (Kelley McClure), Lynn (Hemesath) Stilwill, Larry Hemesath (Tia Cline); eleven grandchildren, Matthew Hemesath (Dawn Tesdale), Michael Hemesath (Stacey Hus), Devin (Howell) Larsen (Lance Larsen), Nathan Hemesath (Lauren Ramspott), Alyssa (Howell) Crowley (Samantha Crowley), Conner Hemesath, Braeden Hemesath, Carson Stilwill, Carter Hemesath, Shayna Hemesath, Sean Stilwill; and seven great-grandchildren, Alessandra Hemesath, Elizabeth Hemesath, Austin Hemesath, Kaleb Hemesath, Lucas Hemesath, Sloan Larsen and Eleanor Hemesath.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials to the Ossian Public Library, 123 W Main Street, Ossian, IA and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 420 E Main Street, Ossian, IA.

PRAYER VIGIL - Friday, November 17, 4:30PM, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 420 E Main Street, Ossian, IA

VISITATION - Friday, November 17, 5:00PM, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 420 E Main Street, Ossian, IA

ROSARY - Saturday, November 18, 9:15AM, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 420 E Main Street, Ossian, IA

MASS - Saturday, November 18, 10:30AM, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 420 E Main Street, Ossian, IA

INTERMENT - Saturday, November 18, Following Mass, St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 420 E Main Street, Ossian, IA

RECEPTION - Saturday, November 18, Following Burial, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School, 414 E Main Street, Ossian, IA