Viola M. Whitten

Viola “Mary” Whitten, a proud veteran, loving mother and grandmother, and dedicated servant to her country and community, passed away on September 5, 2025, at the age of 94 in Fargo, North Dakota.

Viola was born on May 7, 1931, in White Earth, Minnesota, to Frank and Mary Rose Hopfner. She was raised in Mahnomen, MN, and graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1949. Shortly after graduation, she answered the call to serve her country by enlisting in the United States Army and served in the Korean War.

She was first stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, where she worked as a secretary to a colonel involved in the early field of astro medicine. During this time, she frequently witnessed history in motion, watching Wernher von Braun launch V-2 rockets at White Sands Missile Range.

Viola was later stationed in Naha, Okinawa, where she served on air ambulance missions, caring for wounded American soldiers flown in from the front lines of Korea. It was in Okinawa where she married the love of her life, Reginald Whitten, on September 10, 1952. Together, they began their family overseas, and Viola embraced the life of a military wife with strength, adaptability, and grace.

Throughout Reginald’s military career, the couple moved often, building a life in many places including Monterey, CA; Seattle and Yakima, WA; various locations in Texas including Vernon, Dallas, and San Antonio (Lackland AFB); and in Ohio at Columbus, Reynoldsburg, and Wright-Patterson AFB. They also spent two tours lasting eight years in total in Germany, living in Karlsruhe and Frankfurt. After her husband’s retirement, they resided in Barnesville, MN.

In addition to supporting her family and community, Viola pursued full-time careers of her own. She worked at Ohio University Hospital in Columbus, Davis Travel Agency in Frankfurt, Germany, and later at MeritCare in Fargo. Her dedication, work ethic, and warmth were evident in every role she held.

A devoted veteran, Viola also served as VFW Commander in Barnesville, MN for several years, continuing to advocate for fellow veterans and honor the legacy of military service.

Viola was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Reginald Whitten; her parents, Frank and Mary Rose Hopfner; her son-in-law, Carlos Pfannenstein; special friend, Joe Spaeth; and many beloved brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Kathleen Pfannenstein of Fergus Falls, MN; sons, Michael Whitten of Ogema, MN; Jeffrey (Sharon) Whitten of Barnesville, MN; and Robert (Lori) Whitten of Moorhead, MN.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Kadie (Justin) Nelson of Pelican Rapids, MN; Blair Whitten of Barnesville, MN; Chloe Whitten of Minneapolis, MN; and grandsons, and Justus (Laura) Zabel of Moorhead, MN.

Viola was a proud great-grandmother to Zane, Zoey, Kellan, Tyson, Zenna, Kurtis, and Finn.

Viola leaves behind a legacy of service, strength, and love. She will be remembered for her fearless spirit, her devotion to her country and family, and the lives she touched.

An open house celebrating Viola’s life will be held on September 19, 2025, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND from 1- 3 pm, with interment and military honors to follow at Fort Snelling.

“Her service was her legacy. Her love was our blessing.”