Nov. 30, 1919 — April 4, 2019

Vivian Marie Bartak, 99, of Niles, passed away on April 4, 2019, at West woods, of Niles.

Vivian was born on Nov. 30, 1919, in Wakarusa, Indiana, to Roscoe and Elnora Culp. She grew up with one brother, Edgar, in Wakarusa, later moved to Osceola, then to Vandalia, where she met the love of her life, Joseph J. Bartak.

On May 24, 1941, Vivian married Joseph, and in 2001, they celebrated their 60th anniversary. Vivian attended County Normal School and became a teacher. She taught school full time for a few years, then started substituting once her own children were in school. Joe and Vivian moved to Niles in 1950 and built their home on Barron Lake.

She loved to cook, sew, was active in 4-H, home economics, and in her church. Vivian loved to go shopping, get dressed up, and travel. She and Joe enjoyed going to Florida every winter where they would meet with friends year after year. More than anything, Vivian was completely devoted to her family.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Joe, and son, Larry.

She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Galen) Johnson who lives in Niles; daughter-in-law, Michaelle Bartak, of Niles; grandchildren, Tamara (Chris) Mechaney, of Cascade, Michigan, Joseph (Karina) Bartak, of Edwardsburg, Christopher (Lisa) Johnson, of Grayslake, Illinois, Karianne (Douglas) Steffen, of Eaton Rapids, Michigan; step-granddaughter, Lisa(Paul) Bursh, of Temecula, California; and great-grandchildren, Tyler, Austin, Brooke, Hunter, Leah, Anna, Briana, Van and Vivian.

Memorial service for Vivian will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at First Church of Christ, 2240 Yankee St. Niles, MI 49120.

A gathering will follow the service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date in Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hoven Funeral Home, Buchanan. Online condolences may be made at hovenfunerals.com.

Memorial donations may be made to First Church of Christ, Niles. A special Thank you to West Woods of Niles. Vivian was a great storyteller: If you have a favorite story about Vivian, you are invited to share it with the family at the memorial service.