Vivian Elaine Lake Goellner
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Vivian Elaine Lake Goellner, who departed this life on January 12, 2025, at her home in Palmyra, Missouri, surrounded by her beloved husband Richard and her four sons.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Father Gerald Kaimann will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Vivian’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the funeral home.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Vivian was born on May 9, 1938, to Jabes and Dorothy Dowell Lake. Vivian and Richard “Dick” Goellner were married on June 2, 1962, and raised four sons just outside of Palmyra. She spent her life enriching the lives of everyone she touched with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love for her family.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard; her sons Bill (Nancy), Marc, Paul (Yvonne), and Michael; her siblings: Marvin (Lula Mae) Lake, James Lake, Gloria Friedlein and Danny (Sandy) Lake; her grandchildren: Chesney and William Peuster, Garrett and Erica Goellner, Becca and Peter Roseberry, Sarah and Chris Ferguson, Brandon and Allie Goellner, Emily Goellner and Jeff Dietrich, Stephanie and Caleb Vaughn, Nicole Goellner (Chet Spire), and Jabes Goellner; and her great-grandchildren: Declan Peuster, Austin Watkins, Olivia Goellner, Greyson Rush-Ferguson, Nathaniel Ferguson, Bralynn Vaughn, Brody Vaughn and great-granddaughter Elowyn on the way.
Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, Jabes and Dorothy Lake; John and Mary Goellner; and her siblings Marilyn (Toots) Lake Snow, Wilma Lake Corum, Jackie Lake, Kenneth Lake, brothers-in-law Gary Friedlein, and Frankie Corum, sisters-in-law Betty Lake and Gladys Lake.
Known as “Shug” by many of her loved ones, Vivian had a rewarding career as an obstetrics nurse’s aide at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Hannibal. Her gentle, caring nature extended far beyond her professional life and was evident in every interaction with her family and friends.
She loved to travel with her husband, Richard, making countless memories on trips to Kimberling City and Branson, and exploring destinations such as Maine to see the lighthouses and ocean, Niagara Falls, and California to visit Richard’s Navy Station and accomplish a lifelong goal of crossing the Golden Gate Bridge.
A devoted wife and mother, Vivian always put her husband and sons first. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her immense pride and joy; she cherished playing with them, spending time outdoors, and crafting endless batches of playdough for Vivian found great joy in watching the finches and hummingbirds visit her feeders and catching a glimpse of deer at their pond. She also had a playful side, often chasing squirrels and raccoons away from eating her flowers on the deck—a task that brought her humor and light-hearted frustration.
Vivian was also a gifted cook, known for her snickerdoodle cookies, coffee cake, and her famous fried chicken, which became a family tradition for birthday meals. Her warm kitchen and loving spirit will remain cherished memories for all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Pallbearers will be Garrett Goellner, Jabes Goellner, William Peuster, Caleb Vaughn, Peter Roseberry and Chris Ferguson. Brandon Goellner will be an honorary pallbearer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Maple Lawn Auxiliary and St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Vivian’s memory will forever be a blessing to all who loved her.