Vivian Votava

Vivian "Shorty" Votava, age 88, of Neillsville, WI died Wednesday, June 15, 2016 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI.Vivian Votava was born on May 20, 1928 in Pisek, North Dakota the son of James and Albina (Dvorak) Votava. When he was young, he and his family moved to Wisconsin and Vivian attended school in Stetsonville. Later, they moved to a farm near Neillsville and "Shorty" worked for Kurt Marg on the mink farm. He then entered the United States Army and served overseas in the Korean War. When he returned from the service, he was united in marriage to Devonne Hanby on September 25, 1954 in Neillsville. They farmed in the town of Weston and "Shorty" worked construction, operating heaving equipment throughout the state for Hank Markquart. They also owned and operated Votava's Pet Shop starting in Neillsville and later moving to Marshfield. In semi-retirement, "Shorty" worked for Bernie Schwellenbach in Christie, WI.Shorty attended the Assembly of God church in Neillsville and then the Believer's Church in Marshfield. He was a craftsman and loved woodworking, making numerous items in his woodshop over the years from train sets to furniture. He was an avid fisherman and he also raised tropical fish in his home.Vivian is survived by his wife, Devonne, six children, Bruce (Diane) Votava of Marshfield, WI, Steve (Ginny) Votava of Colby, WI, Renae (Brian) Guldan of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Jenice (Curt) Schrage of Rhinelander, WI, Craig (Lori) Votava of Marshfield, WI and Dawn (James) Gibson of Marshfield, WI, many grandchildren and great grandchildren and three sisters, his twin, Viviana Bartelt of Athens, WI, Virginia Zugich of Elkhorn, WI and Annafaye Aumann of Neillsville, WI.He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and two sisters.A Memorial Service for Shorty will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 20, 2016 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Douglas Bjerke will officiate. Interment will be in the Neillsville City Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Monday at the Gesche Funeral Home. Military Honors will be conducted by the Neillsville Veteran's Council.Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Vivian "Shorty"'s family with Funeral arrangements.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456