Viola Polderdyke

Polderdyke, Viola age 97 of Kalamazoo, passed away on October 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family at StoryPoint Portage. Viola was born on January 1, 1928 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, the daughter of the late Hubert and Mollie May (Baker) Johnson.

Viola grew up in Kalamazoo and met her husband, Kenneth, while working at Gilmore Brothers Department Store, where he was working as an electrician and she was an elevator operator and giftwrapping clerk. They were married on March 5, 1948, and operated Polderdyke Electric until retirement. After retirement, they began raising and showing llamas and together they traveled across the United States attending many shows and events. They loved taking day trips exploring small towns as well as searching for treasures at estate sales. Viola had a gift and a passion for interior decorating. She was proud of her home and décor, but above all, her family was the most important thing in her life.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth on January 25, 2019. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Kevin (Karen) Polderdyke and her daughter Candy Polderdyke. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A gathering for friends and family will be held in the near future. Memorial contributions may be made to Centrica Care Navigators (either online or mailed to 7100 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009) or a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank our wonderful hospice nurse Beth, along with the entire Centrica Care staff. Special love also to family friend Ingrid who shared many shopping trips and other adventures with Vi and who helped care for her to the very end, and our deep gratitude goes out to the entire staff at StoryPoint Portage who cared for our mother as if she was their own. We cannot thank them enough.