Viola E Boknecht
October 4, 1922 - October 5, 2018
Obituary
VIOLA E. BOKNECHT
Viola Eslinger Boknecht slipped away from us peacefully on Friday, October 5, 2018, one day after her 96th birthday. Her sweet smile concealed a “tough as nails” spirit that helped her overcome the many difficulties associated with a hardscrabble life during the Great Depression.
Viola was born in New Leipzig, North Dakota on October 4, 1922 to John and Regina Eslinger. She was one of 19 children, and life on the farm was hard. She left home at the age of 14, finding just enough work to keep her going. Viola finally arrived in Seattle and worked at Boeing during the war effort. She married Joe Boknecht in 1943, and they had two children, Wanda (Jim) and Russel. They were married for 40 years, with Joe passing in 1983.
A life-long learner, Viola spent evenings studying and earned a degree at Edison Business School. She then enjoyed a 27-year career working in a number of positions with various State and County offices. Despite working full-time in an era when most women stayed home, Viola was also a wonderful cook, beloved for her famous fried chicken and the many desserts she made from the prolific rhubarb she grew in her backyard.
She enjoyed her later years with her longtime companion Frank Goetz. They loved dancing, and spent their evenings in Seattle and Arizona showing off their moves. Viola’s collection of dancing outfits was remarkable in size and glitter.
Besides her children, she is lovingly remembered by her son-in-law, Jim, and her grandchildren: Lauri (Renato), Joe (Keri), John (Heather), and Doug (Megan). She will also be missed by her great-grandchildren: Sofia, Zachary, Jeffrey, Allison, Tyler, Elliott, William and Ruston. We express gratitude for the loving care extended by the staff at Wesley Homes in Auburn.
A memorial in her honor will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 4pm at Family of Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn. Remembrances may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Family of Grace Lutheran Church.