Viola Johansen Koivisto, Age 78, of Basin, Montana

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 2^nd 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 requests cremation will take place. A Celebration of Life will occur during the Family Reunion, at Basin Creek, on July 31, 2022, with the time to be announced.

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

TBD

Sunday July 31, 2022

Basin Creek

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