After 100 years, Violet still blossoms on Owatonna

OWATONNA — Vegetables and fruit every day along with old-fashioned hard work is what Violet Wobschall attributes to her longevity.

And she has lived a long life.

Today, Wobschall will turn 100 years old. Her family and friends plan to help her celebrate during a party at her Owatonna Commons residence. A second party is planned for Wobschall on Sunday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Medford — a church Wobschall helped found earlier last century and continues to attend today. Although she quit driving a mere 10 years ago or so, she still arranges for her own ride and treks to Medford for services about twice a month.

“Violet makes it to church every chance she gets,” said the Rev. Dean Rudloff, pastor of the church.

The feisty Wobschall keeps the staff on their toes, according to Owatonna Commons Activities Assistant Michelle McAdams. An avid newspaper reader, bingo player and crocheter, Wobschall loves visits from friends and family.

She was born in 1909 in Genseo, Ill., but moved to Owatonna when she was 11. She graduated in the spring of 1927 from Owatonna High School.

In 1932, she married Elmer Wobschall and the two farmed for 66 years in Deerfield Township.

“We moved out there in ’35,” Wobschall said. “In 1938, we got electricity as soon as the line went through.”

McAdams said reminiscing about the farm is one of Wobschall’s favorite topics of discussion. She rarely misses an opportunity to talk about when all cow milking was done by hand and she often helped by shucking grain with her own two hands. Wobschall was known for her large garden which she harvested each year, canning and later freezing the fruits of her labor for winter.

“Violet likes to say, “You don’t call it hard work. It’s just work,’” Rudloff said.

Wobschall worked in Owatonna at the S&H Green Stamp Store and National T Grocery Store before raising her two sons.

She now has six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Her youngest son David, died Thursday at his home in Deerfield Township.

Violet said the loss has been difficult, but she hopes to get past the grief and back to her old self in the future.

Along with Wobschall, two other Owatonnans will celebrate 100 years this week. Margaret Bruno and Dave Steafal will both celebrate with open houses this coming weekend.

McAdams said she is definitely seeing more longevity.

“They say that in the not-so-distant future 100 (years old) will be the norm,” McAdams said.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2000, there were 50,454 centenarians in the United States, or roughly 18 per 100,000 people. Prior to that, in 1990, there were 37,306 centenarians in the United States or roughly 15 per 100,000 people.

Wendy Reuer can be reached at 444-1565.

Share:

Digg

Guidelines: Welcome to the Owatonna People's Press community. Please keep your comments civil. Don't attack other readers personally and keep your language decent. If you would like to report abuse click here to notify us.

Login and voice your opinion!