Viola Pohlmann Kuhlman was born July 10, 1930 in Davenport, NE to Fred and Justine Pohlmann, one of eight children. She passed away in Manhattan, Kansas on Friday, January 24, 2020 at the age of 89. Viola was baptized, raised, and confirmed in the Lutheran faith.
She graduated from high school in Byron, NE and then completed her RN degree at Mary Lanning College of Nursing in Hastings, NE.
Viola worked at Mary Lanning Hospital until her marriage to Melvin Kuhlman on May 17, 1953. They resided on the family farm near Athol, KS until retiring to Smith Center, KS. Along with raising three children and helping with the farm work, Viola also completed her long nursing career at Smith County Memorial Hospital.
Viola and Melvin kept busy with gardening and refurbishing antiques. Auctions and flea markets were favorite destinations. And whenever Viola would say there were pies baking in the oven, they were probably designated for a church or community function.
Following Melvin’s passing, Viola moved to Hilltop Senior Living Community in Beloit, and then, due to failing health, she moved to Meadowlark Hills Assisted Living in Manhattan.
Viola was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Melvin; brothers, Roland and Duane; and sister, Esther.
She is survived by daughter, Sonia (Dave) Meredith of Nehawka, NE, son Steve (Sandi) Kuhlman of Athol, daughter, Audrey (Kyle) Swisher of Beloit; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Edna Reinke, Mrs. Gertrude Skucius, and Mrs. Louise (Ted) Tietjen; brother, Erwin (Mae) Pohlmann; sister-in-law, Mrs. Mildred Kuhlman; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM Wednesday, January 29 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Beloit. Burial will take place at 2 PM Wednesday at the Fairview Cemetery in Smith Center. Visitation will take place an hour before the service time at the Church, and the casket will remain closed. Memorials may be given to Hospice Services of Northwest Kansas, Order of Eastern Star Home for Children, or AMBUCS-Salina Chapter.