Viola Kollen, age 94 of Mt. Angel, OR passed away peacefully on October 31, 2021 at Salem Hospital.  Viola was born on March 8, 1927 in Pierz, Minnesota to Leo and Loretta Duerr.  She was the oldest of 8 children.

Viola worked for 28 years at the Mt. Angel Abbey Press.  From there, she worked at Wilco Farmers for 10 years.  After she retired, she volunteered at St. Mary's Catholic Church.  Viola was devoted to her Catholic faith, was a member of St. Ann's Altar Society and attended daily Mass at Mt. Angel Towers while she lived there.

Viola is survived by her son, David (Betty) of Brookings, brother, Abbot Gregory Duerr at Mt. Angel Abbey, sister, Sharon (Dale) Kadell of Wilsonville and sister, Barbara (John) Nibler of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, as well as 3 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and one great great grandson, born hours before her death.  She was preceded in death by her parents, son, Dennis Kollen, sisters, Erna Kasper, Esther Messer, Dorine Nissen and Dolores Duerr.

Viola was devoted to her family and loved spending time with them.  She willingly sacrificed her time and energy to her family.  One of the highlights of her life was a 6 week trip to Ireland to visit her son and his wife.  Viola enjoyed writing poems, which were always treasured by her family.  She also had a love for dogs, especially her son's dog, Emma.

Services will be held under the direction of Unger Funeral Chapel.  Recitation of the Rosary will be at 10:30 am with Mass to follow at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 4 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mt. Angel.  Interment is at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Angel Abbey, 1 Abbey Dr., St. Benedict, OR 97373.