Viola Evelyn (Aldinger) Heinz, 69 of Bismarck, ND died December 12, 2017 at a Bismarck nursing home after a long battle with heart disease, lymphoma and Alzheimer's disease. Cremation has taken place and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday December 20, 2017 at St. Bonaventure's Catholic Church, Underwood, ND with Father Patrick Cunningham officiating.  Inurnment will be held in the Coleharbor Cemetery immediately following the mass.

Viola was born February 27, 1948 in Bismarck, ND, the daughter of Otto and Marcella (Danks) Aldinger. She was raised in Coleharbor, ND, where she went to grade school, graduating from Underwood High School. Eventually, she settled in Bismarck to make her home where she raised her 2 daughters, Connie and Cindy. Viola was a member of the Three Affiliated Tribes.

Viola was proud of the time she spent working and volunteering at the Open Door Community Center in Bismarck, helping establish an after school program, summer day camp and many other programs that helped support single parents. Viola also waitressed at the Drumstick Café for many years and had many crazy stories to share of her experiences working the "bar rush" as she called it. It was there that she developed her ability to quickly and accurately predict the competence of wait staff, a fondness for "Hit Me with Your Best Shot" on the jukebox, and her quick wit and humor.

While working for the Drumstick, Vi met Frank Heinz, eventually trading a home cooked meal for an unplugged kitchen sink which grew into their marriage in 1989.  Viola and Frank were happy to welcome their grandson Brent into their home, quickly becoming a close knit family, supporting Brent as he grew to an adult.  Viola was a dedicated daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to each member of our family.  She had a special bond with her oldest nephews; Richard and Michael Smith and Tom and Terry Seibold, and with her sister in law Debbie Aldinger. However, Viola's truest passion and love was for her grandchildren, to whom she dedicated herself to, providing them unwavering support and love. She loved spending quality time with them hunting for deals at rummage sales and thrift stores, having family dinners, or just playing cards with her granddaughter Jordann and grandson Jaden. Viola was delighted to welcome baby Aria to the family, falling in love with her at first sight.

Viola and Frank retired officially together in 1997.  Viola loved movies and music, staying up late to finish a good book, garage sales, visiting family, and Sunday morning's with the Beatles. She was a passionate collector of teapots, dolls and other glassware and enjoyed displaying her collections for each holiday and season. After retiring, she enjoyed participating in antique car shows with Lori and Dan. She also enjoyed several "sisters only" summer road trips with her three sisters, Lori, Marcy and Arlene.

Viola is survived by her husband Frank Heinz; her daughters Connie (Monte) Roemmich and Cindy Mathisen; her grandchildren Brent Mathisen, Jordann and Jaden Brandner, and Aria Mathisen; her brothers John (Pat) Aldinger, and Otto (Debbie) Aldinger; her sisters Marcy Seibold and Arlene Malnourie; her brother-in-law Dan Caswell; her sister-in-law Susanne Aldinger and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Viola was preceded in death by her parents Otto and Marcella Aldinger; her grandson Cody Mathisen; her sister Lori Caswell; brothers Artie Aldinger and David Aldinger; and several aunts and uncles.