Vi Sailer

Vi (Viola) McGovern Sailer, age 96, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2013 at Agrace Hospice. She was born in Milladore, WI on September 27, 1917 to Frank and Clara Dichtel. She moved with her family to Hill City, MN in 1932, where her father owned and operated the Hill City Telephone Exchange. She graduated from high school in 1935, and later that year moved to Chicago, IL where she lived with her favorite Aunt Lola and attended the Moser Business College, and after graduating worked for an exclusive dress shop for over 15 years. In Chicago, she met John McGovern. They were married in 1951 and later moved to Madison where she has resided since. John died in June of 1978. She had three children with John. In 1983, she married her first love, Chet Sailer, a former friend from Hill City. Vi is preceded in death in death by her parents; a sister, Marian Christensen; a brother, Vernon (Bud); a brother, Francis; and her youngest son, Steve (Stephen) in 2008. She is survived by a son, Tom; daughter, Mimi (Mary); and daughter-in-law, Susanne; step-daughter, Joan Bond; step-grandson, Drew; his two children; and seven nieces and five nephews. Vi loved to travel, and in later years made many trips mostly on cruises planned by her son, Steve. Vi worked at J.C. Penney over 20 years. Vi's passion to her Catholic faith led her to many volunteering opportunities which included Leader Nursing Home, St. Mary's Hospital and St. Martin House. Everybody that knew her realized the very important role religion played in her life, and as a result of this developed many great friendships at Queen of Peace Parish. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at OUR LADY QUEEN OF PEACE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 401 S. Owen Drive, Madison, with Msgr. Kenneth J. Fiedler presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. A special thank you goes out to the wonderful caregivers at Agrace HospiceCare where she spent her final months. Through their loving care, she was able to live her last days with dignity and grace. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Catholic Multicultural Center, c/o Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, 401 South Owen Drive, Madison, WI 53711-1544; or Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711.