Elvera "Viv" Alina (Johnson) Barda

Elvera “Viv” Barda, age 97, of Baraga, MI passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at her home with her niece Mary (Ron) Williams by her side following a lengthy illness. She was born June 27, 1918 in Baraga, daughter of the late Victor and Mary (Osterlund) Johnson. Viv spent her entire life in Baraga, she graduated from Baraga High School, May 24, 1938. She married the late James Barda on January 13, 1965. Viv worked for a few years at the ration board after high school; then later at the Health Dept. until she started at the DNR in Baraga in 1949. She was the warm, friendly voice that had welcomed telephone callers to the DNR for 36 years. Viv was one of the original charter members of our Foucault-Funke Ladies Auxiliary Post 444. She had served as unit president several times, and other officer posts. Viv truly was an example of unselfish volunteerism in our community and honoring our local war hero’s past and present. She would live down at the Baraga Legion with her “Boyz”, if she could have. After her retirement her and her husband enjoyed traveling to Italy, Hawaii, and Golf Shores. She was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. She loved pets. Surviving are numerous nieces and nephews, and in-laws. Preceding her in death are her brothers, Rudy and Arvid Johnson; sisters Irene Pederson, Zenia Johnson, Marie Elfers, and Elsie Soli. Her funeral service will be held on Friday, May 13th at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Baraga with Rev. Julie Belew officiating. Visitation will be from 10:30 until time of service. Graveside services will take place for Viv and her sister Elsie Soli’s cremains at the same time in the Baraga Cemetery. A luncheon and fellowship will follow in the church hall. The Jacobson Funeral Home of L’Anse is assisting the family. Friends may sign Viv’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.com .

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