VIVIAN CLARA LICKLIDER

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Vivian Clara Licklider, 101, of Fort Dodge, passed away Monday, December 14, 2009 at The Gardens of Friendship Haven in Fort Dodge. Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday, December 21, 2009 at the Celebration Center at Friendship Haven with Rev. Anita Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery in Rockwell City, Iowa. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM Monday at the Celebration Center with the family present one hour prior to the service on Monday at the Celebration Center. The Gunderson Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray, and her son Leslie. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Barb Licklider of Boone; granddaughter Cheryl (Ken) Herman and great grandson Mark Herman of Santa Maria, California; granddaughter Lisa (Dan) Stanislav from Blencoe; great grandchildren Kendall (Ashley and great-great granddaughter Mady) Stanislav; Matt (Jamie) Stanislav; Emily Stanislav; grandson Les W. (Beth) Licklider and great granddaughter Emma of Gilbert, Arizona.

Vivian was born in Dubuque, Iowa on August 7, 1908 to Bert and Clara (Kuttler) Oakley. She graduated from Dubuque Senior High School in 1926 and attended University of Dubuque for two years. She then served as a legal secretary for eight years. Vivian was united in marriage to Ray Licklider on April 15, 1940. Along with their son Les, they lived in Dubuque, Pleasantville, Sibley and Council Bluffs while her husband worked as a lawyer and school administrator. They lived for many years in Rockwell City where Vivian owned Brower Abstract Company. She retired in 1978 and made her home in Fort Dodge.

During her retirement years, Vivian delighted in her travels, visiting nearly every country, and some of them twice! She doted on her son, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She was also very involved in her communities. She was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church and was active in UMW. She served as president of the VFW and American Legion in Rockwell City. She held several offices in the Fort Dodge Women's Club as well as serving in leadership positions in the Iowa Federated Women's Clubs. She volunteered for Trinity Regional Hospital and at Friendship Haven. An accomplished pianist, Vivian served as the church organist as Rockwell City for many years. Ever ready to make a new friend, Vivian thoroughly enjoyed her years as a resident of Friendship Haven.