Obituary of Vivian Marie Bartko

Vivian Marie Rigel was born on August 16, 1962 in Long Beach, California to the union of Lyle and Marie (Plontz) Rigel. Vivian graduated from Dundee High School with the Class of 1980 and attended classes at Monroe County Community College. She was employed as an office manager for many years at Plante and Moran and later the Spicer Group before medically retiring in 2022. Vivian was extremely tech savvy and was often relied upon to answer other’s computer questions. A speedy typist, impressively she could accurately type 131 words per minute.

Vivian was an avid reader, quickly devouring books spanning a variety of topics, especially enjoying suspenseful mystery novels. She liked watching police dramas with her husband and regularly tuned into “Jeopardy”, competing in friendly games with her son. The pair even tracked their scores, sharing them via text. She was always up for a day trip on the back of her husband’s trike motorcycle, frequently heading west to Michigan’s Irish Hills region. She loved tracking storms, and was intrigued with extreme weather phenomena from the time she was a child. Vivian was also known for her quick wit and great sense of humor.

For several years, Vivian was a member of the Dundee Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), volunteering countless hours assisting the department with support services, patrol and community lead events.

Vivian was deeply nurturing, always the first to offer help to someone in need.  She took great care of her mother with daily visits, ensuring her every need. She adored animals and had a great appreciation for nature. She enjoyed working outside and kept her landscaping lush with flowers. Vivian kept her feeders full so the birds and squirrels who visited her yard never left hungry. From the time she was a young girl, Vivian had a pet dog. Her Rhodesian Ridgeback mix “Bella” and mutt “Spyder”, who followed her son home from a hunting trip, were no doubt there to greet her at Heaven’s gate.

Vivian Marie Bartko, age 60, of Dundee, Michigan passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, June 5, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her father, Lyle; husband, Joseph John Bartko Jr. in February 2023; a brother, Bernard; a nephew, Bradley Raymond; her grandparents, several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her son, Zachary Brososky; mother, Marie Rigel; brother, Serge (Sandra) Rigel; nephew, Jason (Ava) Rigel; two stepsons, Joseph (Laurie) Bartko, and Jeffrey (Lisa) Bartko; five grandchildren, Jessica Bartko (Cody Johnston), Kaylee Bartko (Jordin Brown), Joshua Bartko, Taylor (Ian) Deye, and Macy Bartko; great granddaughter, Amora Brown; former spouse, Timothy Brososky whom she married in July 1983. She is also survived by several cousins she was close to throughout her life.  

Friends may gather on Sunday, July 9, 2023 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee, 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of Vivians’s Life officiated by Pastor Brad Luck will begin at 1:00 pm also at Merkle’s. Following her service, all are invited to join the family at 2:30 pm for a meal and fellowship at the American Legion Post 514; 11601 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, Michigan 48182. Cremation took place through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Donations may be made in Vivian’s memory to the Humane Society of Monroe County or the donor’s choice.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.