Viola Hilda Wittmuss, age 97, of Fairfax, SD, passed away on November 2nd, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and Pastor. Viola was born on the family farm east of Fairfax on June 30, 1929, to William G. and Hilda Weidner. She was baptized on August 4, 1929, and confirmed May 24, 1942, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax.

She and her older brother Billy were raised in a traditional Germans from Russia home and held fast to the qualities of faith, family, hope and loyalty. Her family lived out the stubborn German value of "hard work makes life sweet." Planting, growing anything with a gifted "green thumb" and patiently waiting to harvest were learned and practiced the rest of her life.

Viola expressed her deep faith through music. She served as the church organist and accompanist for decades. Many Christmas and Bible School programs found Viola at the organ. Love of music was instilled in her children and grandchildren, and this often found them gathering, on short notice, to sing for church. She was involved with many church activities at Trinity including Bible Study, LWML, and church treasurer. She could name every single child in church and to whom they belonged. For many years, she could be seen on her riding mower taking care of the church lawn.

Her immediate family began when she married Arthur Wittmuss. When Arthur returned from the WWII, he met Viola at a Fairfax dance. An offer to give her a ride home turned into a 64-year marriage. Being a good Lutheran boy, the match met with her parents’ approval and they were married on her birthday in 1948. To this union, five children were born.

Her family was extensive and included her church family, new neighbors, and lifelong community friends such as card players and the Wednesday morning coffee ladies. At the time of her passing she remained an active community member; she was a member of the Historical Society, the Fairfax School Alumni Association, and a 57-year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Coffee, cards and conversation with friends remained important to her.

Viola is survived by the five children: Linda Wittmuss of Lincoln, NE, Marlene (Gordon) Kotab of Sturgis, SD, Joan (Steve) Swan of Springview, NE, Alan Wittmuss (Sarah) of Vermillion, SD, and Lori (Nick) Rodriguez of Ellsworth, KS; nine grandchildren: Christian Kotab, Jess and Emily Swan, Ella and Theo Wittmuss, Hannah, Kara, Joshua and Alyssa Rodriguez; and one great grandchild: Josiah Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur Wittmuss and brother Billy Weidner.

Funeral services for Viola Wittmuss, age 97, of Fairfax, SD will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 10:30 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfax, SD. Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery, Fairfax, SD. There will be a prayer service on Friday at 7:00 PM at the church.