Vivian Ann Sabelko

Vivian Ann Sabelko, resident of Maplewood, MN, passed away at the age of 81 on November 1, 2025 after complications from a heart attack that occurred a week earlier.

Vivian was born December 7, 1943 to Kenneth & Ruby Thompson in Forest City, Iowa. Vivian was the youngest of four children.

Vivian married John "Jack" Williams in 1961 & had two daughters together before divorcing later on.

Vivian married the love of her life, Leon "Lee" Sabelko, in 1978 after refusing to dance with him a year earlier. Once she finally agreed to that dance, they had their first date the very next day & spent the next 47½ years together.

During those years together, Vivian enjoyed being along Lee's side by spending time with family, holding hands, taking scenic back road car rides, singing along to the radio & in church, taking walks, camping, making up for not having a honeymoon with varied travels throughout the U.S. & just sharing life with him each day.

Some of Vivian's other favorite things were hugs, watching murder mystery shows, family pets, sitting on the deck, listening to birds sing, seeing wildlife out in nature, the color green, & ice cream mainly Kemps New York Vanilla.

Vivian is survived by her husband, Leon Sabelko; her children, Tammy (Brad) Stenger, Cindy (Darren) Siddoway, Terry (Vanessa) Sabelko, Barb (Jeremy) Beedle, Susan Sabelko, & Tony (Kim) Sabelko; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Earl Thompson; former spouse, John Williams; along with several close in-laws, cousins, & other relatives.

Vivian's family miss her dearly, especially her hugs, laughter, welcoming warmth & loving feisty nature.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Sunday, December 7th at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve Crest Blvd., Stillwater, MN, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred for family to purchase a memorial park bench.