Vicky Lynn Schlief

Vicky Lynn Schlief, age 61, of Starbuck, MN, died Saturday, February 24, 2018, at her residence under the care of Glacial Ridge Hospice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Saturday, March 3rd, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church near Lake Reno, with Fr. Peter Kirchner officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Interment will be in Lake Mary Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Vicky Lynn Schlief, daughter of Clifford and LaVerne (Bosek) Schlief, was born on November 8, 1956, in Starbuck, Minnesota. She was baptized at St. John Nepomuk near Lake Reno and grew up on a farm by Lowry with her six siblings. When Vicky was a toddler she developed spinal meningitis which left her with brain damage and a damaged voice box. Her disabilities necessitated institutionalized care which she received at different group homes and State hospital facilities over the years before moving to the REM house in Starbuck.

Vicky had an extraordinary relationship with Bob, one of her housemates. The two could sit across the room from one another and carry on their own private conversation with looks and sounds. Vicky’s family appreciated that Bob was always very protective of Vicky and so very kind to her.

Vicky enjoyed bouncing and scooting around in her wheelchair. She was sometimes mischievous and she liked to tease her caregivers by engaging them in a game of tug of war and pulling on their shirts in a playful way. It was during one of these exchanges that her caregiver, Heather, said, “Alright, Chica, come on.” Vicky giggled at the nickname and it stuck. She also enjoyed it when they called her “Miss Vicky” or “Vicky Lynn” when pretending to “scold” her for her mischievous antics. She had a contagious laugh that sometimes ended with a squeal when she became overly excited.

Vicky could also be gentle, and would lean over for a kiss or hug. She soothed herself by rocking in her chair and humming or singing pow-wow type songs.

Vicky is survived by her sisters, Kathryn (Lloyd) Pahan of Glenwood, and Lori (Donn) Gross of Conway, MO; her brother, Randy Schlief of Glenwood; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and LaVerne Schlief; two brothers, Clifford Wayne Schlief and Lew Arthur Schlief; a sister, Stella Marlys Radil and her husband, Maynard Radil.

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