Mt. Morris— Viola Mae “Totsie” Dykema, Mt. Morris, passed away Sunday April 9, 2017 at Pinecrest Terrace with her family by her side.
She was born at home in Polo, IL on March 17, 1928, the daughter of Frank and Bertha (Rucker) Folk, the 11th of 12 children. On the day she was born her oldest sibling nicknamed her “Hotsie Totsie” and she was called “Totsie” throughout her life. Most people didn’t know her given name. Totsie graduated from Polo High School in 1946, where she was active in music and led the Polo Marco marching band as the Majorette. She married Harvey Dykema from Morrison, IL., on October 27, 1946 at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Polo. Totsie was a 70 year member of her church and sang in the choir for over 50 years. She was active in organizing church dinners and luncheons. She sang with a group of ladies called the Polo Harmonettes during the 1950’s and 60’s entertaining many with their barbershop type songs. She worked part-time at the Polo Thrift Department store, volunteered at Polo’s Second Hand Rose store. She was an election judge for many years. She collected Precious Moments and loved crafts, ceramics, crocheting and her grandchildren. Viola was a homemaker.
Cherishing her memories will be her children Dennis (Sheryl) Dykema of Rockford, David Dykema of Polo, and daughters Debra (Roger) Gassman of Lake Carroll, and Danette (John) Wiggins of Franklin Grove. Loving grandchildren are: Neil (Sarah K.) Gribbins of Belleville, WI, Heather (Rev. Timothy) Steckling of Bessemer, MI, Kelly (James) Michel, Kimberly (Matthew) Korn, Lindsey (Allen) Parrish, Sarah D. (Brian) Giannone, Karli and Connor Fitzsimmons; Great Grandchildren include Hannah, Isaiah, Rebekah, Sarah, Elijah and Leah Steckling, Haley and Hannah Michel, Andrew and Adalyn Korn, Katherine, Harvey and Audrey Parrish. Step-grandchildren Mark (Jennifer) Gassman, Mike (Samantha) Gassman, Michele (David) Reid and Seth Wiggins, and Step-great grandchildren Ryan and Kylie Singley, Liken, Logan, Aiden, Sydney and Ethan Gassman and Charlie Trader. Also many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by the love of her life and husband of 53 years in 1999, her parents, brothers Robert, Harry, Melvin, Howard, William and Ross Folk; sisters Ruth Smith, Louise Wuebben, June Miller, Helen Schreiner, Francis Ann (Blondie) Voss, great-grandson, Preston James Michel.
Visitation is from 9-11 a.m. on Thursday April 13, 2017 with immediately following funeral service at 11 a.m. at the Faith United Methodist Church, Polo, Pastor Ryan Sutton officiating.Burial in Fairmount Cemetery, Polo following services.
Memorials can be made to Pinecrest Manor Community, Mt Morris or Faith United Methodist Church, Polo.
Condolences may also be sent to pffh.condolences@gmail.com.
