Viola Sander Viola Anna, daughter of Niels and Sorina (Ahrenkiel) Hansen, was born October 2, 1923, at Elk Horn, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Because her mother died when Viola was 10 and her father had a stroke three years later, Viola and her brother lived the remainder of their youth at the Elim Children's Home. She attended school in Elk Horn, graduating in 1942. Viola then worked for a local grocery store and the creamery in Kimballton.

On May 17, 1945, Viola was united in marriage with Harry Sander in Minnesota. Three children were born to this union. Viola and Harry made their home in Elk Horn and Viola worked at Crystal Springs Creamery, E.H. Brand Eggs, Elim Children's Home for 11 years, and Shelby County State Bank for 25 years. While she worked at the bank, Viola also worked as a nurse's aide at Salem Lutheran Homes, and continued that work until the age of 78.

Viola was a member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church and had been the treasurer of the Sunday School and Women's Group. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and served on the Elk Horn Town Council. She enjoyed embroidery, china painting and her time as Tivoli Queen. In addition, she loved baking and teaching her granddaughters how to cook and bake. Viola took great pride in teaching her grandchildren how to drive a car.

Harry died August 16, 1965, and Viola continued to live in their home in Elk Horn. After selling their home she lived in the Four Plex apartment. When she could no longer live alone she moved to Salem Lutheran Homes in 2006 where she died on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the age of 92 years, 3 months, and 22 days. She is buried at Elk Horn Cemetery, Elk Horn, Iowa.

Viola's is preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother LaVern Hansen.

"Of all the things in this world, including emeralds, big houses, and fancy cars, friends are by far the best. Be a good friend always." Viola