Obituary of Vivienne Moldenhauer

Vivienne Sara Moldenhauer, age 89, of Genoa, Colorado died peacefully at her brother’s home in Limon, Colorado, on Monday, June 25, 2012. She was born January 12, 1923, the daughter of A. Samuel and Lavinia (Donaldson) Covington. She grew up on a farm outside of Genoa and graduated from Genoa High School in 1940, along with her future husband, Alan Moldenhauer. After high school, she attended and graduated from Blair Business College in Colorado Springs with an Associates Degree in Business. On May 6, 1942, Vivienne surprised her family and friends by eloping with Alan Moldenhauer to Goodland, Kansas where they were united in marriage. They were happily married for sixty-one years until Alan’s death in 2003. Their union was blessed with four children: Beth Ann, Philip Alan, Brian Cole and Kay Dee. Vivienne was very active throughout her life, both in work and volunteer activities. She was a secretary for the Army Air Corps Base in Santa Ana, California while Alan served in the Army Air Corps. Alan was proud that his service was extended for several months because the Army Air Corp didn’t want to lose Vivienne. After the war, they moved back to Colorado to live and work on their family farm raising cattle and wheat. Vivienne spent many years as school secretary at Genoa Public Schools and later at the consolidated Genoa-Hugo Public Schools. She took great pride in her work and looked after all the schools’ students as if they were her own. Vivienne cared very much for her community and was an active member of the Genoa Lions Club and the Legion Auxiliary. She served for many years as a member and officer in both organizations. Vivienne also was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Limon, Colorado. A defining moment in Vivienne’s life came in May of 1973 when she was severely burned in a propane explosion. She spent many months in the hospital in Denver; enduring so many surgeries she lost count. Her spirit didn’t flag though and she became a favorite of the nurses and doctors. Despite the injuries and scars, Vivienne survived and returned to work at the Genoa Public Schools where she served as an inspiration to students, parents and teachers for many years. No soldier in battle ever suffered more, nor stood more stalwart and brave than she did through it all, and God rewarded her not only with life, but a full and happy life where she could watch her family grow and develop. Vivienne enjoyed spending time with family and friends. She treasured the time she and Alan spent together camping, fishing, hunting, and enjoying the Colorado mountains. Many of their trips included the family and friends she loved so much. Vivienne was an avid reader and continued her love of learning throughout her life. Her strength and generous spirit will be missed and remain in the hearts and thoughts of her family and friends forever. Vivienne is survived by her two sons, Phillip Moldenhauer (Susan) of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Brian Moldenhauer (Penni) of Greeley, Colorado; one daughter, Kay Kerlin (Danny) of Westminster, Colorado; one brother, Russell Covington of Limon, Colorado; two sisters, Lorraine Nall of Florence, Arizona and Margaret Barnard of Englewood, California; four grandchildren, Michelle, Allison, Sara and Sean; two great grandchildren, Lily and Zachary; and her “angel” family, Mahpara, Shikha and Kamrul. Vivienne was preceded in death by her parents, A. Samuel and Lavinia Covington; her brothers, A. Samuel Covington Jr. and Robert Covington; her sister, Marion Vetter; and her infant daughter, Beth Ann.