Vivian Aileen Negly was the eldest daughter of Roy Van Dorn and Mallie Collins Watkins Negly. Vivian entered this world at her grandparent's farm in Scott County Kansas on August 17, 1927. Jesus, her Savior welcomed her into His Heavenly Kingdom on July 11, 2025.

Vivian spent her early years in western Kansas. After her family moved to a farm near Grant, Iowa in 1941, she attended Grant and Griswold Schools, subsequently graduating from Red Oak High School in 1945. Following graduation, Vivian lived with her grandparents for seven months in San Bernardino, California where she worked as a nurse's aide. At that time, she anxiously awaited the return of her fiancé, Paul Karwal from the war-torn South Pacific. Following Paul's discharge from the Army, the couple headed for Iowa, stopping briefly in Las Vegas, Nevada where they married on January 11, 1946.

The couple lived with Paul's parents until December of 1946 when they moved to a farm west of Grant. There they raised their five children, Steven, Bryan, Don, George and Deb. Vivian was an integral part of the farm operation, milking cows, raising chickens, and keeping the family fed. Her home cooked noon meals, lovingly served until her 89th year, were legendary and enjoyed by anyone visiting or working on the farm. She participated in a neighborhood women's group called The Thimble Club, served at The Lord's Cupboard, and was an active member at Grant United Methodist Church.

Vivian's grandchildren were her special joy. They frequently spent cherished time with their grandmother on the farm and often occupied her dreams, literally.

Vivian faced many challenges in life. She endured separation from her betrothed during World War II, buried both parents on the same day following their death in a car accident, endured surgical treatment for breast cancer and grieved for grandchildren experiencing severe health concerns. Vivian dealt with these challenges with fortitude and positivity. After a radical mastectomy, for instance, she stopped attending physical therapy and painted a machine shed instead.

Vivian will be remembered for many things including her pies, cinnamon rolls, and angel food cakes made from scratch; her massive garden; unmatched sewing talent; her ability to make something out of nothing; and her gracious hospitality.

Most of all, we will remember Vivian's faith. She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior long ago while attending Evergreen Church in Kansas. Hence forth, she lived a life focused on The Gospel and shared without hesitation humility, unconditional love, forgiveness, and service to others.

Preceding her in death were her parents and husband; her son, George; her sister, Letha Rossander; brother-in-law, Henry Rasmussen; sister-in-law, Pauline Rasmussen; and nephews, Denny and Merlin Rasmussen.

Left to cherish her memory are her children and their spouses, Steven and Delores Karwal of Nevada, Missouri; Bryan and Debbie Ann Karwal of Elliott, Iowa; Don and Janna Karwal of Elliott, Iowa; Debra (Brian) Dvorak of Spencer, Iowa; her daughter-in-law, Patty Karwal of Elliott, Iowa; fourteen grandchildren; thirty-one great grandchildren; six great great grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Robert (Ross) Rossander; her nephews, Harry Rossander, Carl Rossander and Ronald Rasmussen; nieces, Diane Adams and Denise Wilson; as well as many friends and relatives.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Advent Christian Church in Villisca, Iowa. Burial will be in the Grant Cemetery in Grant, Iowa. Visitation with the family will be held from 5-7 PM Friday, July 18, 2025, at the LeRette Funeral Chapel in Red Oak, Iowa.

LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.