Vivian J. Shantz, 99, of Aberdeen, SD, formerly of the Athol area died Sunday, October 14, 2012 at HCR Manor Care in Aberdeen.

Her funeral will be Friday, October 19, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Pastor Lorah Houser Jankord will officiate.

Burial will be in the Greenlawn Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday from 2-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home. www.thelenfuneralhome.com


Vivian Jean Hopkins was born November 29, 1912 to Eugene and Mary (Williams) Hopkins on a farm near Athol. She grew up in the Athol area and graduated from Athol High School. Vivian then attended Northern State College receiving a degree in Education. She taught school for 31 years in the area, teaching at Mansfield, Mellette and Northwestern.

In 1937 she married Ervin Shantz and to this union five children were born, four daughters and one son. Vivian enjoyed reading, playing cards and most of all having her family get together. She was a member of the Athol Congregational Church and the Northville Study Club. Vivian moved to Aberdeen in 1987 following Ervin's death.

Vivian is survived by three daughters: Sharon Richmond of Redfield, Sue (John) Graves and Gail Akin both of Aberdeen, her son: James Shantz of Akaska, SD. Vivian is also survived by a son-in-law Curtis Waterman of Orlando, FL, ten grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and four nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter Sandra Waterman, her son-in-law Duane Richmond, one grandchild and three sisters.