Viola (Vi) H. Cloutier passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Stewartville Care Center one day before her 96th birthday. She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her spirit and strength will live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.
She was born Viola H. Rongley on the family farm in Ostrander, MN on February 24, 1929. She had 6 brothers and 3 sisters, all of whom preceded her in death.
On June 20th, 1948 she married Joseph A. Cloutier and lived her entire life in Rochester, MN. She was an avid gardener, spending many spring and summer days cultivating her beautiful flower gardens and plentiful vegetable gardens. She was quick to share the many fruits of her labor with friends and family. She also loved to fish in the lake where they had a cabin. She was very competitive in the fishing boat and usually came home with the best catch of the day. She also loved to hit the casino on occasion, bowled and golfed when she was younger. Vi and Joe always had a family pet, but their favorite breed was golden retriever.
She was employed by the Mayo Clinic for 37 years, working in phlebotomy, gastric lab and in the Gastrointestinal department assisting with procedures. She retired from Mayo in 1994.
She spent the last three years at Aviva River Bend assisted living, where she had some wonderful friendships. She and her group of friends spent a lot of time in one or the others apartments putting together puzzles and just enjoying the camaraderie that they had. Her apartment was always filled with plants and flowers, and she even grew a few vegetables on her small deck.
Vi is survived by her four children: Mary Erath (Butch) of Rochester, Steven Cloutier (Julie) of Alexandria, MN, Cheryl Ash of Rochester, and Scott Cloutier (Susan) of Buffalo City, WI; 6 grandchildren: Kristina Erath-Pike, Shane Erath, Keith Cloutier, Michael Ash, Mark Ash, and Danielle Cloutier; and 8 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Aviva River Bend, Mayo Clinic Hospice and Stewartville Care Center for their wonderful care while Vi was a resident.
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