VIOLA C. DANNENMUELLER

Viola C. Dannenmueller, 90, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Oct. 20, 2000, at St. Francis Medical Center after a short illness.

She was born July 17, 1910, daughter of Victor C. Bollinger and Clementine E. Hahn Bollinger. She was married to Leon J. Dannenmueller on Nov. 28, 1935, in Benton, Mo. He preceded her in death Aug. 30, 1996. The Dannenmuellers lived in Benton until 1967, when they moved to Cape Girardeau.

Mrs. Dannenmueller's life was devoted to community and church service. She worked extensively with the University of Missouri Extension Service, 4-H Clubs and other organizations within the community. Her involvement with the Extension Service started in the mid-forties when her children were small and extended throughout her life. She continued to lead and teach kids sewing, food preparation, child care, home improvements, etc., long after her own kids were grown and gone. She continued to take all of the classes that were offered to better prepare her for teaching those skills.

She was a member of the University of Missouri Extension Service FCE clubs (National Association of Family and Community Education) for 55 years, and received many honors and awards in this regard. She was currently Recording Secretary for the Kage FCE, of which she was an active member for the past 26 years. During that time she served in many capacities, including County Extension Council President. She also served as County Chairman for the FCE Blood Drive for many years.

She has been active with the Ladies Sodality, first at St. Denis Church in Benton and over the past 33 years, St. Vincent de Paul in Cape Girardeau, and was honored by the church during Mass last week for that service. She was an active member of the Elks' Ladies of Lodge 639 in Cape Girardeau and was voted Elks Lady of the Year in 1990-91. She was a regular volunteer for the Red Cross Blood Bank, AARP and other organizations in the area.

Mrs. Dannenmueller has been a judge at many county and district fairs, the District Sew with Cotton contests, the District Sew with Wool contest -- both 4-H and open class. Through the year 2000, she still judged and awarded ribbons for the 4-H Clothing at the SEMO District Fair, the clothing and needlework at the Benton Neighbor Day, the Craft Fair at St. Francis Medical Center, and judged all needlework and clothing at the East Perry County Fair. Those who worked with her considered her an expert in judging -- a finely-honed skill she took very seriously.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and two brothers, Harold J. Bollinger and John J. Bollinger, both of Benton. She is survived by two brothers, Joseph J. Bollinger of Chaffee, Mo., and Monroe E. Bollinger of Benton; and a sister, Mrs. Anna Marie Glenn of Cape Girardeau.

Survivors also include four children: daughter and son-in-law, Shirley Ann Palen and Dr. James E. Palen of Cape Girardeau, daughter and son-in-law, Janet B. Singer and Paul L. Singer of Coral Springs, Fla.; son and daughter-in-law, Robert J. Dannenmueller and Gwen Dannenmueller of St. Louis, Mo., and daughter and son-in-law, Judie M. Herbst and Charles J. Herbst.

Thirteen grandchildren survive, including Rick, Mark, Randall and Kristina Palen, Tamra Palen Walker; Paul Jr., David, Dr. Ronald and Christopher Singer; Charles III and Douglas Herbst; and Robyn and Laura Dannenmueller. There are 25 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call from 3-9 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel, with parish prayers at 7 p.m. A funeral Mass with the Rev. Milton Ryan officiating will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church. Grandchildren will assist in the service. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.