Vivian Sylvia Gunsolley, 99, died early morning on Oct. 21, 2024, at Klein Center in West Burlington. Born on March 30, 1925, in Williams, Ariz., she was the daughter of Gerald A. and Blanche I. Stewart Gelatt. A year later the family moved to Fort Madison, and later to Burlington, where Vivian attended Jr. and Sr. High School. After graduating she attended Mercy Hospital School of Nursing in 1946 and then the United States Cadet Nurse Corps. During this time Vivian met and fell in love with the young man across the road on Cliff Road Burlington, Arnold H. Wiemann, Jr. and they were married Dec. 28, 1947, he preceded her in death on Aug. 17, 1990. Together they had three children, Gerald, Suzan, and Donald.
Vivian was a member of the Community of Christ Church where, over the years, she served as Women’s Leader, Skylark Leader for young girls and served as a Priest in the Priesthood. She worked for Mercy Hospital where she retired from after many years. She also worked for a short period of time at Elmview Nursing Home and the Des Moines County Home. Vivian and Arnold made two health trips to Honduras and had a young man from Honduras stay in their home for nine months. She enjoyed spending time at the Sew N Sew Shop and Cheryl’s School of Dance. Vivian was exceptional at sewing and quilting. She loved spending the winter months in southern Texas with friends.
On Sept. 24, 1999, Vivian married Norman Gunsolley and moved to California. He preceded her in death on Nov. 23, 2013. She had three stepchildren, Linda (Bob) Wilson, Steve Gunsolley, and Jamae Gunsolley.
In 2018 Vivian moved back to Burlington to live with her daughter Suzan and they later moved to Johnston. In June 2023 Vivian was ready to move home so she moved into Klein Center.
She is survived by her son Gerald “Jerry” (Marge) Wiemann of Burlington and daughter Suzan Strandberg of Johnston, Iowa; all six of her grandchildren that were very special to her; eighteen great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren and four more great-great grandchildren on the way and daughter in-law Claudia Moore. Also surviving are several wonderful nieces and nephews and two special friends from Klein Center: Mike Crawford and Linda Hand.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands: Arnold Wiemann and Norman Gunsolley; son Donald Wiemann; brother Marvin Gelatt and son in-law Greg Strandberg.
Per Vivian’s wishes cremation has been entrusted and accorded with Lunning Chapel.
The memorial service for Vivian will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at Lunning Chapel with her children sharing. Family will meet with friends at 10 a.m. Burial will be held in Aspen Grove Cemetery following her service.
A memorial in her memory has been established for Community of Christ Church.