Viola Johansen Aguirre Koivisto was born (Baby Girl Johansen) on September 20, 1943 in The Fergus Falls Insane Asylum in Minnesota, and later named Viola when Grandpa Johansen took her home to be raised solely by himself. She was the daughter of Eugene and Elsie (Suvanto) Johansen. In “those days” it wasn’t considered “proper” for a single man to be raising his children alone. In order to keep his children he relocated in the mid 50’s when Vi was just 13. Grandpa Johansen moved her and her siblings Mary Jane, Jeannette, Carl and Norma to Montana. She met and married Bernard (Jr) Aguirre, and had 4 children Bernard (Ole) the Ill, Robert (Peewee), Dorladean, and Lisa. They later divorced, but remained friends until his passing. Viola met and married her best friend and love, Larry Koivisto who remained her soulmate until his passing in 2009. Viola and Larry relocated to Basin where they lived until their passing. Her and Larry enjoyed riding motorcycles, panning for gold, and hanging out with friends and family. It was a desire of Vi and Larry to make their home in Minnesota where they planned to spend the remainder of their lives, but unfortunately it was not meant to be due to Larry’s unexpected passing. She remained living between Basin and in Butte, which became her second home with her daughter Lisa (Bobby) Moreno. Viola could be seen “dressed to the nines” or in a pair of combat boots camping, fishing, hunting or panning for gold. You never had to wonder what she was thinking “because she would surely let you know”! She will mostly be remembered for her “open door” policy. Her home was a home to many. She fed every “stray” she met to include her many homeless pets who became her lifelong commitment to making sure they were warm and fed. Even in the years she lived with Lisa and Bobby, she made sure someone fed and kept her stray animals fed at her house. She was a 2nd mother to many.
She is proceeded in death by both her parents, all her siblings, son Ole, daughters Dorladean and Nanette Koivisto, her dear Nephew Gary “Garman” Peltomaa, her husband Larry and former husband Jr Aguirre.
Viola leaves behind her most cherished loved ones Son, Robert (Peewee) Aguirre of Basin, daughter and son in law Lisa (Bobby) Moreno Butte, Grandchildren Melissa (Laramie) Lake of Nevada, Robert (Bobby) Echo Aguirre of Trout Creek, Bobby Jr. and Danielle Moreno of Butte, Sabastian Moreno of Butte, Keva Aguirre of Basin, and Mac McCoy of Idaho. Great grandchildren Gannon, Blake, Tia and Isabel Aguirre, Lucia and Myka Lake, Calvin and Sophia Moreno. Her “namesake and the name she protested her to have unless she was only called Lolo” Viola (Lolo) and Jim, and her family, Brad, Allisa, Sarah and Blakelyn. Her best friends and furry companions Boo and Lena.
At Viola’s request, cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life privately organized by the family will occur at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at the Basin Creek Reservoir Pavilion in Basin Creek, Montana.
Donations can be made at Chelsea Bailey Animal Shelter or by donors choice.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Viola.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Viola and her family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Sunday July 31, 2022
Basin Creek Reservoir Pavilion
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
1:00 p.m.
Sunday July 31, 2022
Basin Creek Reservoir Pavilion
Butte, Montana 59701
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Janice Clark Muniz says
My thoughts and prayers to Lisa (Bobby), Sabastian, Bobby Jr. (Danielle and kids) PeeWee and all of Viola’s Family.
I remember growing up on Colorado St. with the family and Viola was such an amazing mom to her children and the neighborhood kids as well. May her memories hold dear in your hearts. Rest in peace. (((HUGS)))
Janice Clark Muniz ( Sparky’s Garage )
Connie Dotson says
Lisa,Bobby and Family, we are so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May all your beautiful memories sustain you through this difficult time. May you always feel her beautiful presence in your heart. She was a beautiful soul. Always enjoyed visting with her. Will always remember her beautiful smile. May she rest in peace. We love you all. God Bless, Mike and Connie Dotson
Connie Dotson says
Lisa,Bobby and Family, we are so very sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. May all your beautiful memories sustain you through this difficult time. May you always feel her beautiful presence in your heart. She was a beautiful soul. Always enjoyed visting with her. Will always remember her beautiful smile. May she rest in peace. We love you all. God Bless, Mike and Connie
Barb Schleicher says
I am Barbara Pederson Schleicher, and Viola was my 1st cousin. We were like sisters from about 1952 until 1955, when she and Jeanette and Norma lived in Menahga, along with their dad Eugene. He was my mom’s brother; her name was Norma. She cared a good deal for Eugene and his family. She lived in Menahga, and she was the only one who lived there forever, out of a family of 15!
My mom kept track of this family as long as she was able, including Carl and Mary Jane. She knew the names of her great nephews and nieces.
I actually remember sleeping 3 in a bed at times! Viola spent the most time with us as we both went to school in Menahga.
I am so sad to hear of her passing.
Viola was a beautiful girl;she was 2 years older than me. She was quick and witty and smart and tough. She was sometimes called Spitfire. One time a neighborhood guy threw my helpless kitten into the lake, and she really let him have it! We went to Sunday School and Girl Scouts. She was well liked by everyone.
After she left for Montana, we wrote letters back and forth. After she was married, she and her family visited my parents, Bob and Norma Pederson in Menahga many summers. She had cute kids and a great family. I remember that she had a 50’s model salmon colored Ford Thunderbird. It was so cool.
Viola was talented, brave, kind, loving and tough. I visited her in about 2009, and saw her Basin home, which was so amazing. We talked over the phone a few times over the years.
I miss this family, and wish we could have been closer in distance through the years. I truly feel that Viola will be welcomed into heaven. Thank you all for being such a good family. Barb
Christy Reed says
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful lady inside and out. We have a lot of good memories of her and Larry when in Basin. Sending prayers and love to the family. Love Annette Neary and Christy Reed (daughter).