Viola Marie Hustedt, of Peoria Arizona, formerly of Paxton, passed away on September 3, 2025, at age 105, with her son and daughter by her side. Viola was born on April 28, 1920, on her family's farm in Rice County, Minnesota.

Her early education took place in a one-room schoolhouse near Dundas, Minnesota. She graduated from Faribault High School at age 16 in 1936 and went on to earn a degree from Mankato Business College two years later.

She loved and excelled at typing and shorthand and quickly found employment in the "big city" of St. Paul, MN. There, in 1940, she met John Hustedt of Onarga, Illinois, and the two were married in 1941.

In 1947, with two young sons and a daughter on the way, Viola and John moved to Paxton, where John purchased a Shell Oil station.

In 1956, when her children were older, Viola returned to work. She served as secretary for the superintendent and treasurer of the Paxton Unit School District. Upon retiring from that position, she joined her husband, John, in his real estate business. In 1980, they both retired and moved to Sun City, Arizona.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church in Paxton and Church of the Palms in Sun City, Arizona, and was active in both churches' women's organizations.

Viola was a devoted mother and wife. Her family was very important to her— from her own children to her great-great-grandchild. She kept up with the times, was always interested in what her family was doing, and could converse easily with every generation. Her family loved and admired her deeply.

She was an excellent seamstress and cook, kept herself physically active, was a good listener, and was a loyal friend to many. She lived a long and good life.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Marie Swartwoudt; her brother, Lloyd; her sister, Audrey; her husband, John D Hustedt,Jr.; her son, Terry Hustedt; and her son-in-law Jerry Rodeen.

She is survived by her son, Jack (Becky) Hustedt of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and her daughter, Kathy Rodeen of Paxton; grandson Dietrich Hustedt; granddaughter Suzanne Hustedt; grandson Paul Rodeen(Kristen Hammel) and his sons, Johnny and Lucas; granddaughter Kate (Ken) Law and their sons, Kam and Max; stepdaughters Kathy (Ryan) Bouton and their daughters, Madi (son Max) and Kate; and Laura (Brian) Grahame and son Tyler and daughter Mackenzie.

A private family service is pending.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is assisting the family with arrangements.