Vivian Ellen Lahti

Vivian Ellen Marie Lahti, age 93, of Little Canada, MN, formerly Fridley, MN, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023 at Cardigan Ridge Senior Living in Little Canada, MN. 

Vivian was born on July 17, 1929 in Virginia, MN. As a child her first language was Finnish and didn’t learn English until she started elementary school. She graduated from Aurora High School in 1947 where she played the clarinet, violin, and accordion, and was involved in band and orchestra. 

After high school she attended Duluth Business School and McConnell Travel School in Minneapolis, and completed further Dental Assistant Training in Minneapolis. 

Vivian worked as a Dental Assistant in Virginia, MN and at Columbia University in New York City.

Vivian was an adventurous young woman. She took many vacations with friends such as to Yellowstone National Park, the Wisconsin Dells, and New York City. She worked for a short time as a nanny for a family in Minneapolis. She was a fashionable young woman and sewed many of the beautiful garments she wore.

Vivian met her future husband Archie on a blind date and they were married in 1955. 

They were longtime residents of Fridley, MN where they survived the 1965 tornadoes which totally destroyed their home. The house was rebuilt and Vivian and Archie remained residents for a total of 60 years. 

Vivian was a volunteer at Unity Hospital in Fridley, and a quilting group and sewing group that provided clothing for needy families. She was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Fridley American Legion Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing, walking, art, gardening, and traveling. She and Archie traveled to many of the 50 states. She loved spending time with family.

Vivian’s resilience and determination were truly inspiring to all who knew her.

She is preceded in death by her parents Signe (Wantonen) Kivimaki and William Kivimaki, and brothers Kenneth Kivimaki and Donald Kivimaki. 

Vivian is survived by her husband of 67 years Archie, children Harold (Yvonne) Lahti, William Lahti, Carol Lahti (Dean Becker), and Linda (Kevin) Wendland; grandchildren Amanda (Zach) Gardner, Jordan (Sara) Lahti, Jared Lahti, Justin Lahti, Michael (Haruna) Wendland, Suzanne Becker, Erik Becker, Isabella Wendland, and Derek Wendland; and great-grandchildren Nevaeh Gardner, Liam Gardner, Harper Gardner, Noah Lahti, and Ruth Lahti; other relatives and friends.

Special thanks to the Cardigan Ridge residents and staff and St. Croix Hospice for their tender care during her difficult times. Our family is grateful.

Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 11:00 am. with visitation one hour prior to service at Miller Funeral Home, 6210 Hwy 65 NE in Fridley, MN (763) 571-1300  Luncheon will be served after service.Private interment Ft. Snelling National Cemetery.

www.millerfuneralfridley.com