Funeral services for Viola Fern Bartz, 95, of Albert Lea, will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. The Rev. James Kassera will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. To sign the guest book, go to www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Viola died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, at St. John’s Lutheran Home.

Viola Fern Bartz was born on Jan. 26, 1917, to Henry and Fern (Sellmen) Lamaack in Cottonwood County. She attended school in Murray Township. On Nov. 28, 1933, she married Edward Mielke in Slayton. In 1944 she moved to Albert Lea where Viola was employed at Land-O-Lakes, Johnson Laundry, Queen Stoves and then Wilson & Co. On Jan. 25, 1958, Viola married Vernal Bartz in Albert Lea. Viola was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for over 60 years. She enjoyed gardening, baking, fishing, and truly loved spending time outdoors. Blessed be her memory.

Survivors include her children: Vernon Mielke of St. Paul and Fern Cameron of Albert Lea; son-in-law, Don Metcalfe of Albert Lea; step-children: Marcia (Brian) Carlson, Robert Bartz, Vernal Bartz Jr. and Ruth (Merlin) Petersen; 20 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Edward and Vernal; children: Virgil Mielke and Joyce Metcalfe; grandchildren: Michael, Bill and Randy; great-grandchild, Joshua; two brothers and three sisters.

The family appreciates the love and care shown Viola by the Crossroads Community Hospice.