Violet Viola Luhman

Violet Viola (Richmond) Luhman, of Sheridan, WY (formerly Howard Lake, MN), passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at the age of 86. Vi was suffering from a broken heart upon the loss of her husband of 64 years and had a severe stroke from which she could not recover.

Violet was born on August 12th, 1938, in Brainerd, Minnesota to Edna (Anderson) and George Richmond, the eldest of six children. She grew up and was educated in Motley, MN, graduating from high school in 1956. Immediately after high school, she moved to Minneapolis where she found a job at Acme Tag. She was frugal, worked hard, and made some lifelong friends. One of these friends kept pestering her to go on a blind date with her boyfriend’s army buddy. Vi finally agreed and met the love of her life, Arvid Luhman. Vi and Arvid were married on June 11, 1960. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Susan (1961) and Gregory (1964).

Violet was a “working mother” from the start. She worked in the plastics industry for most of her career starting at Moulded Products in the 1960s, where she became the first female traffic manager in the state of Minnesota. When she left Moulded, she was VP of Purchasing. From there, she transferred to T.O. Plastics, Inc., where she climbed the ladder of success, becoming the Director of Operations and overseeing six plants. Vi’s hardworking, detail-oriented, caring leadership helped her build an exceptional reputation as an executive. She broke through the “glass ceiling” and used many of her experiences to help guide others to success.

Over the years, Vi and Arvid hosted two American Field Service (AFS) students—Paula Wortmann from the Netherlands in 1976-77, and Merilyn Glover from Australia in 1980-1981. Their generosity and open-hearted welcoming of people into their home expanded their circle of “family” and friends around the world.

Over the course of her life, Vi was instinctively a mentor to anyone who needed help or assistance. She was a teacher, nurturer, organizer, cheerleader, and wise elder. She constantly looked for ways to help others, whether it was baking muffins and treats for fundraisers, making soup for someone having health issues, or organizing books and distributing them to the proper outlets. She regularly sent cards to loved ones and friends needing a little support. She was an excellent embroiderer and shared her projects generously. She especially enjoyed volunteering for the Howard Lake Friends of the Library, Love INC (In the Name of Christ), and Immanuel Lutheran Quilters. In 2018, she was honored with the Howard Lake Good Neighbor Award.

Violet was preceded in death by her husband Arvid Luhman, her parents, and her sister Fern Rienstra. She is survived by her daughter Susan (Stefan) Michael and son Gregory (Shelley Meier) Luhman; her grandsons Sheehan Michael (Maura Kenny), Cooper Luhman (Justin Thrasher), Noah Luhman (KateLynn Rand), Austin Meier (Kristina & family), and Sam Bisso; her sisters Edith Esler (Richard), Iris Lomnes, Carolyn Birrer (Mike), and her brother Phillip Richmond (Lisa), as well as a host of family and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 West 5th Street, Sheridan, WY, on Wednesday, June 11th. A reception will follow. A private inurnment of Violet and Arvid’s ashes will take place later in the day.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 West 5th Street, Sheridan, WY 82801.

If you are unable to attend the service, it will be live-streamed. Click on the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/ImmanuelSheridan/videos

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Champion Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.