Ryberg, A. Viola "Vi" age 98 of New Hope, MN passed away on January 8th, 2020. Vi Stene was born on the family farm near Emmons, MN and Lake Mills, IA. She graduated from Emmons High School, and continued her eduction in both business College and a Bible School. Vi worked for the Lutheran Church as a church planter and a parish worker in locations that included Washington state, North Dakota, Alaska, and Minnetonka, MN. On April 23rd, 1967, Vi was married to Bert Ryberg, a service officiated by her brother, Marlin Stene. Bert and Vi remained together for over 50 years, until Bert passed away in the end of July. The two of them loved to travel. Vi was able to go on many overseas business trips with Bert as he had to travel for Cargill. They traveled on their own as well, and kept in contact with their relatives in Norway and Sweden. This led to friends of theirs asking them if they would lead a tour to Scandinavia with a group. Eventually, they led many group tours to many places, including Alaska, the holy land, and Australia/ New Zealand. Vi is survived by her son, Jim (Sara) and grandchildren, Toby and Kaiya. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Mabel Stene; sisters, Gladys Yates, Genevieve Stene, Norma Stene, and twin brothers, Marlin and Milton Stene. The funeral service celebration Vi's life will be held at Calvary Lutheran Church of Golden Valley on January 29th, at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served afterwards, and this will be followed by a burial for both Bert and Vi at Fort Snelling at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we suggest donations to support the music department of Calvary Lutheran Church.

Published on January 19, 2020