Florence – Vivian "Viv" Marie Bednarski, 88, of Florence, Wisc., passed away on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at Florence Health Services, Florence, Wisc.

She was born on October 5, 1936, in Florence, Wisc., to the late Rueben A. and Agnes (Erickson) Brolin.

She was raised in the Florence area and attended grade school in Commonwealth. She was a classmate in Florence High School prior to moving to Chicago, Ill., when she was fifteen years old.

While living in Chicago, she worked for Fel-Pro Gaskets for a number of years, Evanston Telephone Company, and a needle factory prior to moving back to Florence in 1978.

She married Joseph Bednarski in 1980, he preceded her death in 1998. They made their home in Florence until they moved to Florida in 1989. After eighteen years in Florida, she moved to Waupaca in 2007 and then to the local area in 2008.

Her hobbies included cooking, baking, and gardening. Her family remembers that each of their family functions she would bring her amazing cupcakes, which earned her the nickname "Auntie Cupcake" by her nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her sons, Bruce Vandergeriff, and Dennis Vandergeriff; stepson, Larry (Rachel) Bednarski; brothers, Brant (Cindy) Brolin, James (Ann) Brolin, Edward (Diane) Brolin, and John (Carmen) Brolin; granddaughters, Hunter Vandergeriff, and Carrington Vandergeriff; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Robert Brolin and Ernie Brolin.

In accordance with Vivian's wishes, no formal services will be held.

Friend may leave condolences and tributes to Vivian's family online at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com

The family has chosen Jacobs-Lundholm Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Florence, Wisc., to honor Vivian's legacy of life.