Violet Louise Malmquist, 92, of Red Wing, died Tuesday, April 28, at Seminary Home in Red Wing
Published by the Red Wing Republican Eagle
She was born on Oct. 21, 1922, to Albert and Maud (Kells) Deden in Red Wing. She graduated from Red Wing Central High School in 1941.
Vi married her high school sweetheart, Royce Malmquist, in Red Wing on May 1, 1942. Following his service during World War II, the two settled down to build a business and start a much longed-for family in Red Wing. Vi helped with the bookkeeping for the family business, Malmquist Home Furnishings, and assisted customers with the interior design of their homes.
A charter member of the Red Wing Collectors Society, she and friends opened River Peddler Antiques in the St. James Hotel in Red Wing in 1981. Collecting Red Wing Pottery and antiques was a pastime she and Royce both enjoyed. Together they took trips around the world. After his retirement, they purchased a condo in Mesa, Ariz., and spent time there every winter for the next 15 years.
Vi liked to play golf and bridge with her many friends. Shopping, eating out and Sunday drives with Royce were her some of her favorite pleasures. Although German and English by ancestry, Vi favored the customs of her Swedish husband. Blue and yellow were her colors. Decorating and entertaining for the Christmas holidays were annual highlights.
Vi was a compassionate caregiver, and loving mother and grandmother. She was a member of First Lutheran Church, the Red Wing Women’s Study Club, the Red Wing Country Club, the Southwest Red Wingers, the P.E.O. Sisterhood and Red Wing Area Seniors, Inc.
Survivors include her son, Craig (Sandra) Malmquist of Red Wing; daughter, Nancy (Mark) Swanson of Red Wing; six grandchildren, Erika (Kyle) Rabine, Elise Malmquist, Ian (Kingkane) Malmquist, Evan Malmquist, Sara (Jay) Underhill and Sam Swanson; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Robert (Mona) Deden of Centennial, Colo.; nieces and a nephew.
Her husband, Royce preceded her in death on June 24, 2007.
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 7, at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing, with Reverend Jack Nordgaard officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of the service at the church.
Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church or Red Wing Area Seniors, Inc.
Funeral arrangements are through Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.