Obit: Votava, Vivian “Shorty” (1928 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Votava, Dvorak, Hanby, Guldan, Schrage, Gibson, Bartelt, Zugich, Aumann, Marg, Markquart, Schwellenbach, Bjerke

----Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 6/22/2016

Votava, Vivian “Shorty” (20 May 1928 - 15 June 2016) With Flag

Vivian “Shorty” Votava, 88, of Neillsville died Wednesday, June 15, 1928, in Pisek, ND, the son of James and Alina (Dvorak) Votava. When he was young, he and his family moved to Wisconsin, and Vivian attended school in Stetsonville. Later, they moved to a farm near Neillsville and “Shorty” worked for Kurt Marg on the mink farm. He then entered the United States Army and served overseas in the Korean War.

When he returned from the service, he was united in marriage to Devonne Hanby Sept. 25, 1954, in Neillsville. They farmed in the Town of Weston and “Shorty” worked construction, operating heavy equipment throughout the state for Hank Markquart. They also owned and operated Votava’s Pet Shop starting in Neillsville and later moving to Marshfield. In semi-retirement, “Shorty” worked for Bernie Schwellenbach in Christie.

“Shorty” attended the Assembly of God Church in Neillsville and then the Believer’s Church in Marshfield. He was a craftsman and loved woodworking, making numerous items in his workshop over the years from train sets to furniture. He was an avid fisherman, and he also raised tropical fish in his home.

Vivian is survived by his wife, Devonne; six children: Bruce (Diane) Votava of Marshfield, Steve (Ginny) Votava of Colby, Renae (Brian) Guldan of Wisconsin Rapids, Jenice (Burt) Schrage of Rhinelander, Craig (Lori) Votava of Marshfield, and Dawn (James) Gibson of Marshfield; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and three sisters: his twin, Viviana Bartelt of Athens, Virginia Zugich of Elkhorn and Annafaye Aumann of Neillsville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

A memorial service for “Shorty” was held at 11 a.m. Monday, June 20, at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Douglas Bjerke officiated. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery at a later date. Military honors were conducted by the Neillsville Veterans Council.

Online condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.  The Gesche Funeral Home assisted Vivian “Shorty’s” family with funeral arrangements.