Viola Mae Bristol-Johnson was the middle child of George and Iona (Bacon) Bristol born on March 31, 1935 in Ellsworth Wisconsin She graduated from Ellsworth High School in 1953. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin at River Falls, earning a 2-year diploma in rural education. She married Ronald Paul Krengel in 1958, moving to Omaha, Nebraska shortly after. There they had their 3 children Kathie, Paul, and Eric. In December of 1961 they moved to Colorado and later divorced. Viola moved herself and her family to Morgan County in 1973, wanting a better life, in the country for her children. She worked at Morgan County Assessor’s office for 23 years and achieved her appraiser certification and utmost respect from everyone she worked with.
Viola was a lifelong learner. 1982 she, Kathie, and Eric all graduated from Morgan Community College (MCC) with Associate degrees, later she returned to MCC where she received an Associates in Early Childhood Education in 2016. She began a bachelor’s degree program with Adams State College through MCC.
At 81 years old she got that bachelor’s degree, began substitute teaching, endeavoring to provide a space for children to learn.
Viola enjoyed bowling, she was inducted into the Morgan County Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2000 as recognition for her commitment and achievements, she taught and encouraged many bowlers, attended 25 National Tournaments, was the anchor bowler on the State Champion Quick Change team in 1998, and won many championships in local tournaments and leagues. Music was a big part of her life. She taught piano and organ, she sang with Morgan County Chorale, Christ Congregational Church choir and was a substitute pianist. A devoted Democrat she had an unsuccessful run for Senate, was active in the local Jane Jefferson Group serving as its president among other positions. She enjoyed her Red Hatters group. She was ready for any adventure. Her childhood on the farm instilled a desire to grow anything especially roses.
Always determined, she was a two-time breast cancer survivor. She passed on September 23, while recovering from a fall. Her grandsons Richard and Gregory were by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Marcia, and the love of her life, Carl M Johnson.
Viola leaves behind her daughter Kathie and Bob Ferguson of Fort Morgan, sons Paul and Kathie Krengel of Billings, Montana, Eric and Kate Krengel of Moreland Hills, Ohio. Her brother Gerald and Mary Bristol of Ellsworth, Wisconsin. Grandchildren Heather Krengel, Paul Krengel Jr. and Kayla Backen, Tiffianny and Matthew Steffes all of Billings, Richard and Elisabeth Ferguson, Gregory Ferguson all of Fort Morgan, Graham Krengel and Iona Krengel of Moreland Hills OH, Great Grandchildren Zach Krengel, Eleanor Steffes, Jay Krengel, and Leo Steffes all of Billings, MT, and Russell Ferguson of Fort Morgan many nieces, nephews and devoted friends.
Those who wish may make a memorial gift to Viola Bristol- Johnson Memorial C/O Heer Mortuary 225 E. Platte Ave Fort Morgan CO 80701 or directly to Morgan Community College Foundation 300 Main Street Fort Morgan CO 80701 All Funds will be used for scholarships honoring Mom’s love of learning.
Her family appreciates all the care givers our Mother was blessed to have had in her life, the drivers, friends and neighbors. May God Bless you all.
Services were held Oct.
5, at Christ Congregational Church 730 Ensign 10 a.m.
Graveside Services were held Friday Oct. 14, at 11 a.m., St Paul’s UCC Cemetery, Ellsworth, Wl.
