Violet "Vi" Ann Germain

Violet “Vi” Germain, 89, Minot, ND, passed away Sunday, November 22, 2020, at a Minot care facility.  Violet Ann “Vi” Germain was born on February 18, 1931 in Gardena, North Dakota, daughter of Herman and Rose (Bullinger) Tohm.  She was raised and educated in Gardena, graduating as Valedictorian of her high school class and where she found her love of basketball.  She moved to Minot, ND, shortly after high school and worked at Buttery’s Department Store for two years.  In 1953, she became employed at First American Bank and Trust which is now known as Bremer Bank. She worked there until retirement in 1989.  She worked as a bank teller for many years and later became the coordinator of the Prime American Club, where she organized and escorted many bus tours around the county for bank patrons.  Vi was an active member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church of Minot, helping in the kitchen, as an office assistant and on the flower committee. She was a member of the Minot Aerie Eagles Club and worked for the North Dakota State Fair.  She loved to bake and at Christmas time would deliver big trays full of cookies and candy to all her friends. Vi’s baking won many ribbons at the North Dakota State Fair. One of her hi-lights was winning grand champion for her banana cream pie for which people called years later for the recipe.  Vi was an avid supporter of Bishop Ryan Catholic School, being an especially huge fan of their basketball program. You could always find her and Dave with friends Mary Lindbo, and  Lorry & Daryl Kramer sitting in the stands at their usual spot cheering Ryan High on. Vi was particularly easy to find with her signature jet black updo hairstyle.  Vi’s most important role was as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.  Vi married David Germain on June 17, 1964 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church in Minot.  They made their home in northwest Minot where they raised their two daughter, Jodi Lynn and DeAnna Marie.  They were active in their children’s activities and while involved in Lincoln Elementary Parent Teachers Association, made lifelong friends. Their neighbors were very important to them as well and Vi and Dave hosted many neighborhood barbeques during the summer.   As the girls married and had children, Vi and Dave became doting grandparents to Quinn, Drew, Brandon and Brooke.  Dave passed away February 24, 2007 and Vi missed him every single day. She continued to live in their northwest Minot home with her Pomeranian, Chloe, for which she had lived 44 years until the tragic flood of 2011 forced her out.  The last 4 ½ years Vi had been living in the Edgewood Memory Care unit “Cookies Cottage” in Minot, ND. At this time, we would like to thank Krissy and her team at Edgewood for taking such great care of mom. They treated her like their own family and cared for her immensely. You all have been truly a blessing to us all. In addition, we would like to thank the hospice program for their guidance and loving ways. We are so appreciative for everything you do!  Vi is survived by: daughter, Jodi (Kevin) Ward, and their sons Quinn and Drew all of Minot, ND. Daughter, DeAnna (Keith) Crandell, and their children, Brandon Hahn and Brook Crandell of Fountain Hills, AZ. Nephews: Delmer Waters of Kramer, ND and Roger Waters of Mineral Wells, TX. Vi is preceded in death by:  her husband David, her parents, sister Laura Waters, brother Floyd Tohm, Brother-in-law Leland Waters, sister-in-law Deverne Tohm, nieces: Virginia Brandt and Janine Huebner.  Memorials are preferred to St. Mark’s Church in Minot or Bishop Ryan Catholic School. Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, a service will take place in the spring of 2021.