Viola Kathleen Kinney, 98, passed away at Lincoln Village Convalescent Center on Thursday, April 17, 2008. She was born in Burlington on March 29, 1910, the daughter of Bernard and Anna (nee: DeGrave) Wiemer. On January 15, 1929 she was married in St. Mary's Church to Earl LeRoy Kinney. Mr. Kinney preceded her in death on October 31, 1948.

Vi will be remembered for her outstanding culinary skills she applied in the home, and as the owner of Vi's Catering. She was constantly and lovingly cooking and baking. Vi was well known for her outstanding lemon bars, pies, and potato salad. She enjoyed traveling; and visited all 50 states, Canada, and 9 European countries. Vi also liked to bowl and play cards. She was an active and faithful member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church and was a past President of the St. Patrick's Women's Society, and served on the church council. She was a charter member of the St. Monica's Society; and devoted much time to the St. Vincent Food Pantry, and to St. Rita's School where she assisted in the 1st grade.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Marilyn and Karl Jensen of Racine; grandchildren, Laurie Jensen of Racine, Peggy (Dan) Peeper of Waterford, and Scott Jensen of Lakewood, Colorado; great-grandchildren, Tim Mikulance, Shana Mikulance, Alex Peeper, Rebecca Peeper, Brant Jensen, Bryce Jensen, Brittney (Frankie) Sackrider, and Blake Wallin; great-great-granddaughter, Jaelyn Sackrider; and sister, Isabelle Pelon. She was also preceded in death by her son, Donald Kinney; granddaughter, Jill Ruffalo; brother, Edward (and Gertrude) Wiemer; brothers-in-law, Douglas Pelon, and Glen (Florence) Kinney.

Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church ( 1100 Erie Street ) at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2008 with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Caledonia. Visitation will begin in the church at 9:00 a.m. Memorials have been suggested to St. Patrick's Catholic Church, or the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, PO Box 301, Maryknoll, NY 10545.

On Viola's behalf, her family thanks all of those who helped Vi in her later years, including the staff at the Lincoln Lutheran Convalescent Center, especially Kris at Lincoln Village North; and her wonderful Community Care Partnership Team – Lynn, Sandy, and Sandy.