Nicholas Vizena
September 10, 1929
December 16, 2008

Nicholas Vizena was born on September 10, 1929 in Oberlin, LA to Mr. and Mrs. Calist Vizena. He was one of five brothers, with three older brothers, Henry, Jervy, and LC; and one younger brother Dewey. He attended school in Oberlin, where he graduated from Oberlin High in May 1947. Here he served as an Aviation Store Keeper for twenty-two years. He retired from the United States Navy on September 23, 1969, and soon began working for the State of California as a Receiving Warehouse Supervisor for Camarillo State Hospital until May 1980 where he retired once again. Once retired, he moved to his hometown of Oberlin where he and his wife built a house on the same land his mother and father had lived. He received many honors and ribbons while in the Navy. He was a veteran of the Vietnam and Korean wars, a member of the Fleet Reserve, a life member of the VFW and a past commander of the American Legion in Oberlin, LA.

This is Nick's career in a nutshell, but let's talk about the family man. Nicholas Vizena was a beloved husband, dad, uncle, friend and paw-paw. Paw-Paw married the love of his life, Virginia (Ginger) on August 7, 1954. Between 1955 and 1961 Maw-Maw and Paw-Paw had four children; Linda Marie, Anita Louise, Thomas Henry and Tracey Jean. A few years later, the grandchildren started coming; Nicholas Henry, Thomas Michael, Ryan Gabriel, Jennifer Marie, Danielle and Rodney Lawrence. Paw-Paw loved his family dearly and devoted 110% of his time and effort to his wife Ginger. Paw-Paw decided to rekindle the love he had to his wife by renewing his marriage vows for their 25th Anniversary in August 1979.

Between the early 70's and early 90's, most of Paw-Paw's time was spent spoiling the grandkids. We all remember getting everything we wanted, especially for Christmas because Paw-Paw always out did Santa, even right now there are gifts under the tree from Paw-Paw. Soon the great-grandchildren came along; Devin Chance, Alexis Breann, Hannah Gabrielle, Jasmine Marie and Robert Dawson. These too were spoiled beyond measure, but paw-paw always took care of his "Little Ones". On August 7, 2004, Paw-Paw once again renewed his vows to Maw-Maw for their 50th Anniversary.

Paw-Paw left a true legacy behind of how true love endures all. He showed us how love can make it through the good times, always coming out stronger in the end. He always remembered where his love began with Maw-Maw, because without her, I guess the rest of us would be non-existent.

Paw-Paw had several hobbies and several defining personality traits. He liked to play solitaire on the computer, (on of the few things he could do on the computer), solve crossword puzzles( which he was so good at them, he should have written them) and mowing the lawn. Let's talk about the lawn. Paw-Paw is the only one who could make the lawn look as good as it did. This was in part because no one else was allowed to. He had his own specific pattern and routine to make the lawn perfect. Paw-Paw was loving, caring and giving. He was an excellent cook, especially when it came to his gumbo and he had a sarcastic sense of humor. Besides his good looks, Paw-Paw passed down his sarcasm to every generation. Sometimes it's funny, but other times it can get you in trouble. During his last days, Paw-Paw was still using his sense of humor on the nurses at the hospital. One time the nurse told him that she would be back shortly. His response, "I'll be here waiting."

We all dearly love Nicholas. He has taught us all many things during our lives, and we will always have that special and unique memory that we made with Dad, Paw-Paw, Uncle Nick, and any other name you choose to call Nicholas Vizena.

Funeral Mass for Nicholas Vizena will be held Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 12 PM in St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church of Oberlin. Father Mike Barras will officiate. Burial will follow in Oberlin Cemetery under the direction of Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder.

Visitation will be held Saturday morning in the church beginning at 10 AM with a rosary at 11 AM.

Mr. Vizena is survived by his two daughters, Tracey Powers of Oberlin and Linda Voelle of Oberlin; two daughters-in-law, Bridget Vizena and Jody Voeller; one nephew, Michael Dean; 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Virginia, his daughter Anita Vizena and son Thomas Vizena. Words of comfort may be left for the family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com

Ardoin Funeral Home of Kinder
337-738-2526