Violet Eleanora (Nelson) Pettepiece

Violet Eleanora Pettepiece, age 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at Hayward Area Memorial Hospital.  She was born on July 21, 1927 in Rockford, IL, the daughter of John and Fredrika Nelson.  She was united in marriage to Meredith Merrill Pettepiece on September 5, 1947, in Rockford. 

Shortly after marriage, the young couple moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma so Meredith could continue his military service.  Once back in the Rockford area, Violet worked in a variety of fulfilling positions - among them assistant to Boettcher and Simon Architects - and later retired as executive assistant for the Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce.

Violet and Meredith were charter members of Christ United Methodist Church in Rockford in the 1950s and later joined Calvary Christian Church which remained her church home.

Violet and Meredith had been traveling to Hayward, WI since the late 1940’s.  She loved the Northwoods and was a gracious host at their cabin on Lac Courte Oreilles.  She enjoyed knitting and playing many card games. 

Most of all, Violet was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. 

She is survived by her children, Jan (Tom) Lamb of Rockford, IL and John (Denise) Pettepiece of Sun Prairie, WI; her grandchildren, Wendy (Tim) Iversen of Rockford, IL, Jason (Tina) Lamb of Rockford, IL, Mikaela (Kirk) Klumpers of Deerfield, WI and Hannah (Demetrius) Walker of Stevens Point, WI; her great-grandchildren, Ethan, Drew, Austin, Cade, Lauren, Anika, Liam, Nolan, Isla, Charlotte and Mali; and her lifelong friend, Geraldine Swan of Rockford, IL - born only 8 days apart, with whom she shared her 94 years in constant loving friendship.

Both Violet and Geraldine were part of a group called, “The Jolly Stenographers”, formed from a high school stenography class in 1945 that met monthly, shared lifelong friendships, activities, and sorrows together for 70+ years.

In addition to her parents, Violet is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Meredith; brother Leroy Nelson (who died in infancy), a second brother also named Leroy Nelson; and her sister, Verona Ritter.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at Calvary Christian Church, 5455 Charles St. in Rockford, IL, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM. 

Interment will take place in Oakland Cemetery in Freeport, IL. 

Memorial gifts may be sent by mail to:  Carpenter’s Place, 1149 Railroad Avenue, Rockford, IL 61104.  Please note “In memory of Violet Pettepiece” on your check.  Gifts may also be submitted online at:  https://www.carpentersplace.org/donations

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