What was Vickie Gimla known for?

Vickie was known for her generosity, community service, and creative talents.

What organizations was Vickie involved with?

She was involved with the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW, among others.

How many volunteer hours did she log at McLeod Regional Medical Center?

Vickie logged 1,952 hours of volunteer work.

When and where will the memorial service be held?

The memorial service will be held on September 6, 2025, at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home at 11:00 AM.

September 1, 2025

Victoria Veronica Gimla Passes Away, Remembered for Her Service

Florence, SC, September 1, 2025

News Summary

Victoria Veronica ‘Vickie’ Gimla, aged 83, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, community service, and creativity. Known for her dedication to veterans and significant volunteering efforts, Vickie contributed greatly to her community as well as her family. Her recognition as the Pee Dee Area Person of the Year highlights her impact. Friends and family are invited to honor her memory at a memorial service scheduled for September 6.

Florence, SC – Victoria Veronica “Vickie” Gimla Passes Away at 83, Leaving a Legacy of Service and Creativity

Victoria Veronica “Vickie” Gimla passed away on August 30, 2025, at the age of 83. A lifelong resident of Wisconsin and then South Carolina, Vickie was known for her unwavering generosity, her commitment to community service, and a remarkable creative talent.

Born on June 12, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI, Vickie was the daughter of the late Harry Kosmowski and Alice Rosak Kosmowski. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert P. Gimla, along with her brothers Harry Kosmowski Jr. and Jerry Kosmowski, and her sister Rose Barutha.

Throughout her life, Vickie embraced motherhood and family, demonstrating deep care for her loved ones as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was actively involved in her sons’ lives as a DEN Mother for their Cub Scouts and served as historian for the Widow and Widowers group.

Her contributions to veterans’ services were notably significant. Vickie served as the President of the American Legion Auxiliary, where she was honored with a plaque for her outstanding service from American Legion Post #1. Additionally, she was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and organized a Thanksgiving food drive for veterans in Florence.

In 2019, Vickie was recognized as the Pee Dee Area Person of the Year, awarded for her tireless dedication to both veterans and the wider community. She also committed 22 years of her life crocheting items for hospice and cancer patients at McLeod Regional Medical Center. Her efforts in volunteering were acknowledged last year when she logged 1,952 hours of volunteer work—the highest in her crafting group.

In the employment sector, Vickie was the Craft Department Manager at Walmart, earning multiple VPI Associate of the Month awards for her outstanding performance. Her creative talents spanned a wide range, including cake decorating, card making, woodworking, sewing, embroidery, crochet, knitting, and stamping.

Her family describes Vickie as having the largest and most caring heart, always giving selflessly to others throughout her life. She is survived by her sons, Bruce Sheaffer of Columbia, SC, and Dale Heiden of Florence, SC; and her daughter, June Sheaffer-Kelly of Florence, SC. Vickie also leaves behind her stepdaughters, Karla Kelly (Dennis), Marcia Labutski (Steve), and Paula Smith (Dean), as well as one grandchild, nine step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren, with another on the way.

Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on September 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service to be held in the funeral home chapel at 11:00 AM. The family encourages everyone to honor Vickie’s memory by serving their community and demonstrating kindness.

FAQ

When did Victoria Veronica Gimla pass away? August 30, 2025.
What was Vickie Gimla known for? Vickie was known for her generosity, community service, and creative talents.
What organizations was Vickie involved with? She was involved with the American Legion Auxiliary and VFW, among others.
How many volunteer hours did she log at McLeod Regional Medical Center? Vickie logged 1,952 hours of volunteer work.
When and where will the memorial service be held? The memorial service will be held on September 6, 2025, at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home at 11:00 AM.