Violet Jeannette Cox was born March 29, 1913, in Pawnee City, Nebraska. She was the second oldest of ten children born to Cecil Dorn and Eva Mae (Jackson) Cox. Her nine brothers and sisters in order of birth were Velma Adaline, Lola Mae (Mrs. Leroy Stanley), Ollie Pearl, Clifford Raymond (Ray), Cecil Edward (Ed), Cora Nadine (Mrs.Rankin Dinwiddie), Ellis Alfred (Dude), Lloyde Allen (Tink) and Marvin Leroy.
Violet's family moved to near Elmo, Missouri, when she was very young. Though the family was poor, she often related fond memories of her mothers daily baking of homemade bread, picking gooseberries for jelly, and a large garden. She continued the tradition of a large garden throughout her adult life until she was forced to discontinue it due to health a few years ago.
Violet attended high school in Northboro, Iowa, where she graduated in 1930. She looked forward each year to attending the NHS Alumni Banquet.
On March 19, 1939, Violet was united in marriage to Floyde Earnest Claus Bredensteiner. Prior to her marriage, she was a member of Locust Grove Church. After marriage, she was confirmed and became a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where she continued as an active member throughout her life.
Two children were born to Floyde and Violet. Alma Jeanette was born March 18, 1940. Gary Lee was born August 27, 1945. Alma married Ed Wilwerding on September 26, 1964, and became an instant mom to four children (Linda, Diane, Denny and Julie). Two more children were born to Ed and Alma (Joanne and Patricia). Alma resides in Harlan, Iowa. Gary married Sally Reed on February 27, 1965. Six children were born to Gary and Sally (Jeffrey, Heidi, Erin, Wendy, Alisa and Derek). Gary's first marriage ended with divorce in 1986. Gary was married in 1995 to Cheryl Lichty Schroeder. Gary and Cheryl live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Violet was preceded in death by her husband (Floyde) in 1988, son-in-law (Ed) in 2001, and all nine siblings and their spouses. She is survived by her two children; daughter-in-law; 15 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in rural Northboro. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Ron Nelson.