Viva Marie Fleming

Viva Marie (Hertzfeldt) Fleming, a devoted educator and the musical heart of her family, passed away on Aug 21, 2026. She was 90 years old.
Born on May 24, 1936, on a family farm in Cream, Wisconsin, Viva was the daughter of Vernal and Magda (Mueller) Hertzfeldt. She attended Alma Public Schools, graduating in 1954, before pursuing her passion for teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. She earned her two-year teaching degree in 1956 and later completed her Bachelor of Science in Education.
In July 1955, Viva’s life changed forever at Reidt’s Dance Hall, North of Alma, where she met Elvin "Bud" Fleming. Their connection was immediate; after a whirlwind romance of ten dates in just two weeks, Bud proposed. They were married on September 8, 1956, at St. Paul’s Reformed Church in Alma. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love and partnership until Bud’s passing in February of 2015.
Viva’s professional journey was as spirited as her personal life. Her teaching career began in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, on a Monday—just three days after finishing her degree and a mere two weeks before her wedding. She dedicated three years to elementary education in Spring Valley and another three in Lac Du Flambeau. Eventually, she and Bud moved to Thorp, Wisconsin, where she taught elementary students and served as a K-12 vocal music instructor. Over her 40-year career, Viva became a beloved figure in the school system, famously remembered for the elaborate Christmas and Spring concerts she produced. She often found inspiration in the words of Henry Van Dyke: "The woods would be quiet if no bird sang but the one that sang best."
Viva was an avid Green Bay Packers and UW-Wisconsin Badger basketball fan. She participated in the family NFL Fantasy Football League and Men's NCAA Final Four Basketball pool. Viva was also an accomplished singer. At age 12, she and her sister Heidi (age 7) won a contest that earned them a spot on the Cedric Adams show on WCCO Radio. She later won another contest at age 17, qualifying her as a finalist on another Cedric Adams show. Viva also sang on the Mel Jass TV show.
She is survived by her four children: Jon W Fleming of Neenah, WI; Julie Fleming of Largo, FL; Jac (Michelle) Fleming of Afton, MN; and Jayne (Dan) Dick of Wabasha, MN.
Her legacy continues through her thirteen grandchildren: Deanna (Nick) Kubiak, Jon Fleming, Adrian (LeQuentin Breeze) Fleming, Levi Fleming, Traci Thorn, Jessica (Matt) Romberg, Megan (Jim) Warner, Travis (Amber) Thorn, Cassandra (Dylan) Nelson, Jaclyn (Derek) Foster, Marissa (Kenny) VanGundy, Courtney (Mike Darst) Brown, and Magda (Yuval Zeyger) Dick. She was also the proud great-grandmother to twelve: Lydia, Nina, Chelsea, Leandro, Audrey, Brayden (Lyla), Marin, Noelle, Jac, Lyla, Finn, and Eliza.
Viva will be greatly missed by all her family, including brother-in-law Mike (Natalie) Fleming and nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her fellow teachers, many of whom described her as being a mentor to them.
Viva was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bud Fleming; her parents, Vernal and Magda Hertzfeldt; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Elvin and Tilly Fleming; her sister, Heidi Uecker; her sisters-in-law, Mary "Boots" Bayard and Mylis Lane; her son-in-law, Kraig Thorn; and her great-grandson, Phillip Thorn.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Abbott Funeral Home, Wabasha. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Pepin, WI. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 10 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the Shriners Children's Hospital at donate.shrinerschildren.org; St. Jude’s Hospital at stjude.org or Boys Town at donors.boystown.org.
Services entrusted to Abbott Funeral Home & Wabasha, MN. Words of sympathy or remembrance may be left at www.abbottfh.com