Violet "Vi" Alice Straus

Straus, Violet “Vi” Alice MADISON–Violet “Vi” Alice Straus, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2014. She was born on May 4, 1925, in Milwaukee, the daughter of Frank and Clara Lehr. Vi was a woman filled with wit and warmth, a balance of sweet and sass. She held her sense of humor until the very end. Her strength had to carry her through many challenges, including the loss of a young son, Steve, and more recently, the loss of her husband of 66 years, Jack. You could always find Jack and Vi at Lake Ripley Country Club in Cambridge, both on the course and off. Her love for flowers and gardening was a passion that she has passed on to her girls. When looking at a flower, she often would say, “How can you not believe in God?” Her passing is bittersweet due to the fact that this time of year is something that our precious Vi always looked forward to. Christmas Eve, her favorite day of the year, was not the same without Jack last year…sadly the family will now miss them both, but will find peace and comfort knowing that they are back together again forever. Vi is survived by her three daughters, Lynn Dombrowicki, Cheryl Straus and Bonnie (Jim) Daggett; eight grandchildren, Brian (Rebecca) Dombrowicki, Christopher (Amanda) Dombrowicki, Sean (Betsy) LaMore, Sarah (Rick) Neustadter, Shane LaMore, Jason Pierner, Nicole (Adam) Reierson and Jenny (Elliot) Franklin; and thirteen great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2014. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Vistation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heartland Hospice and the staff at Betty’s Harbor Memory Care in Sun Prairie. In a few short months she touched the hearts of those who gave such genuine love and care for her. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420