Vivienne K. Selje (Adams) age 96, a cherished long-time resident of Merrimac, Wisconsin, passed away on Tuesday, October 22, 2024, at The Koselig House Assisted Living Center. She was born at home in Norwalk, Wisconsin, on Friday, July 13, 1928, to Percy & Althea Adams. During her childhood, she attended grade school in Bloom City, where she formed a lasting friendship with Norma Bethards. Later, her family relocated to Chicago, and she attended high school at Taft, before landing in Merrimac, where she attended & graduated from Prairie du Sac High.

This story bears repeating… The tale unfolds one afternoon as Bill and his friend, Dean Purcell, are cruising toward Baraboo, where they spot Viv Adams and her best friend Donna Getschman strolling along. Bill's gaze landed on Viv, and he declared, "I'm going to marry that girl." Not long after, Dean found his happiness and married Donna, while Bill swept Viv off her feet, and they were married on January 13, 1948. Their love story flourished for an incredible 75 years, during which they built a beautiful life together, raising six children in the charming town of Merrimac.

As a dedicated full-time homemaker and mother, Viv was a self-taught seamstress and an accomplished crochet expert. She crafted her children's wardrobes and crocheted beautiful vests, ponchos, hats, blankets, and kitchen items. An active member of the Merrimac Methodist Church and United Methodist Women's Club, she consistently contributed a "dish-to-pass" for various events and volunteered her time for potlucks and bake and craft sales. Additionally, she served as a poll worker for the Village of Merrimac election board for many years. During the Vietnam War, she worked at Badger Ordinance and later became a real estate agent for Bud Nadolny and First Realty/Young & Lukens Realty. She and Dad (Bill) were exceptional dancers, regularly gussying up to attend monthly dances at the Baraboo Elks Club. They were genuinely good Wisconsinites and frequently enjoyed Friday night fish fries. After the children left home, they enjoyed traveling during the winter months, spending many winters in Florida and Texas, although most years were spent in the Arizona desert.

To summarize this long-lived, resourceful woman: while she was typically all business, she had a superstitious side, as Friday the 13th was her favorite day! Words to describe Vivienne: Giving. Polished. Strong. Integrity. Beautiful.

She is survived by her full brood of children: Kristi (Bert) Klein, Lindsi (Don) Campton, Julie Selje, Kurt Selje, Karla Selje, Margo Selje. Grandchildren: Craig Campton, Carrie Campton, Karsten (Jillian) Klein, Emmy Albergo, Will Sandberg, Sonja (Ross) Brown, and Lona Imhoff. Great Grandchildren: Logan & Caden Klein, Danielle Campton, Kierstyn Will, Gianni & Domenic Gubbins, Luciana Lombardi, Ezmae & Oliver Sandberg, Anka Brown Great, Great Grandchildren: Dane Shoemaker, Peter Spinden.

She was preceded in death by Bill, her loving husband of 75 years, parents Percy & Althea Adams, sister-in-law Pearl (Huey) Ramaker, and brother-in-law Sidney (Florence) Selje, her dearest friend Donna Purcell (Getschman) and many, many, many close friends too numerous to mention.

Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:30 am on Monday, October 28 at Merrimac Methodist Church, followed by a Service at 11:30 am, and concluding with a burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Merrimac, WI.

Please join us for a luncheon to follow at the Merrimac Municipal Building. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff and residents of Koselig House for the care and kindness they provided to Viv over the past year. Additionally, an exceptional thank you goes to the caregivers from Brighton Hospice. Their compassionate approach and support were truly appreciated.

The family would also like to sincerely thank Pastor Erick Hunter of Merrimac United Methodist Church for his comforting service and Hooverson Funeral Home's compassionate care during this difficult time.

Cards may be sent to: Lindsi Campton. W7885 N. Star Road. Pardeeville, WI 53954