Vivian Elaine Ockert

Vivian Elaine (Viv) Ockert, of Traverse City, MI, passed away in her home of over 70 years at the age of 94 on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, after a long, wonderful, and well-lived life.

Vivian was born on March 15, 1931, to the late Edward and Alice (Light) Krause. She grew up in Royal Oak, MI, alongside her five siblings, Alma Kemp, Evelyn Witt, Betty Carr, Edward Krause, and Loyeda Krause. She eventually moved to the Traverse City area, where she met her husband. They got married on April 24, 1954, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City, MI. They were married for almost 52 years before Jim's passing in April 2006.

One of Vivian's biggest accomplishments was raising her ten children, leaving them with countless memories that they will cherish forever. Her house was always open to friends and family, where many interesting kitchen table chats and quickly resolved arguments often ended in laughter. Upon Vivian's last child entering school, she became employed at Munson Medical Center in the Housekeeping department. She later received her Nurse's Aide Certificate and worked on East 3 until her retirement. After retirement, she and Jim wintered in Lakeland, FL, where they enjoyed watching the Detroit Tigers' spring training. After Jim's passing, Vivian's stubbornness and strong will allowed her to live in her own home until her passing.

Vivian is survived by nine of her ten children: Thomas Ockert of Traverse City; MI; Constance (Terry) Kelly of Traverse City, MI; Stephen (Anne) Ockert of Howell, MI; Kay (Eugene) Schaub of Traverse City, MI; Doris (Daniel) Hall of Traverse City, MI; William (Chris) Ockert of Traverse City, MI; Vickie (Duane) Schaub of Traverse City, MI; Jame Ockert, Jr of Traverse City, MI; Paula (Michael) Harty of Traverse City, MI. She also leaves behind her 28 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and one special sister-in-law, Sandra Krause.

Vivian was preceded in death by her husband James, of almost 52 years, her daughter Cathleen Finkel, and two granddaughters, Bridget Mary Schaub and Kayla Elaine Schaub, along with all of her siblings.

Visitation for friends and family will be Sunday, July 6, 2025, at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM with Rosary following visitation, led by Deacon Rene.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Services will be conducted by Deacon Rene of St. Patrick Catholic Church.

Burial will take place immediately after services at Oakwood Cemetery, where Vivian will be laid to rest with her late husband.

The family would like to invite friends and family to Twin Lakes Pavilion in Long Lake Township following the burial.