On Tuesday morning, December 22, at sunrise, Vivian, at the age of 85 years old, was reunited with the love of her life, Larry. Among those in this heavenly reunion was her brother-in-law Jim, sister-in-law Bev, brother Jack, friend Nancy and so many others.


Vivian was born to Dave and Clementine Krystowiak in Milwaukee, on November 1st, 1936. She was the eldest of four, each just about a year apart in age; Barbara, Jack and Marlene (Jerry). She attended high school at St. John Cathedral where she met Larry. Her on the sidelines as a cheerleader, and him running the field as a football player, they found love. During their senior year they were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. They married on June 29, 1957 and went on to raise four children of their own. Lynn (Brian Schmid), Scott (Sharon), David (Heather) and Peter (Pam).


Viv had an uncanny affinity for sports. No surprise, as her father played semi-professional baseball. Not only did Viv know the rules of the game - she knew teams, players, coaches and stats. And it wasn't just baseball - it was football, basketball, soccer, and fastpitch softball.


Now anyone meeting her could see she had physical challenges, dealing with RA. But, you would never know it to be a problem. Viv overcame any obstacle and never spoke a word of it. Nothing stopped her. She ran her household on a strict schedule of cleaning, and dinner was on the table by 6PM sharp. She found creative solutions to achieve her goals. She was one tough cookie.


Vivian was also a woman of very few words; communication was not her strong suit. However, she shared her truth with those she trusted most. And yet, you always knew you were loved by her. It was in her smile, her laugh, her generosity, her showing up and being there for you. Being a mother was second nature for her. In fact she helped raise each of her eight grandchildren; Kristin (John Simpsen), Eric (Jess) Schmid, Drew (Steph) Schmid, Megan (Brenden Walsh), Sarah (Dax Venes), Connor Kugi, Caitlin Kugi, and Riley Kugi. Vivian further leaves her legacy with five great-grandchildren; Porter and Vivian Simpsen, Jackson and Parker Walsh, and Lawrence Schmid.


She touched so many people's lives. She traveled near and far to attend the sporting events of her grandchildren, even the team families called her "grandma". She will always be remembered by the impact she has left on our hearts.


Please come and celebrate her life on Friday, January 7, 2022. Memorial gathering will be held at St. Mary Catholic Faith Community Church, 9520 W. Forest Home Ave, Hales Corners, from 10am to 11:15am, mass to follow at 11:30am.


The family requests you proudly wear your favorite team sport attire to the Memorial.