Colonel Vivian L. Pliler Retired

Vivian (Nickie) Pliler passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, March 17 after living a life filled with service, nature, adventure and travel. Nickie was born May 6, 1924 in Fort Worth, Texas. She graduated with a BS in Nursing from Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri in June 1947. In November 1948 she joined the U.S. Army and retired in May 1975 as a Nurse Supervisor with the rank of Colonel. While serving in the military she was awarded: Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Overseas Bar, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars, and Army of Occupation Medal (Korea). Nickie was an avid ornithologist and enjoyed being able to log her bird sightings while traveling the world during her service time. Nickie made many lifetime friends while in the Army. After retiring in Aurora, she began her volunteer work at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science in 1978. While working in the Zoology Department, she was able to share her expertise with many staff members, visitors, and school children until she retired in 2014. She is preceded in death by her parents, Raymond G. and Lila LaCroix Pliler, her brothers Millard (Tracy) and Richard (Dick) Pliler, sister-in-law Tamara Pliler and niece Tanja Pliler. She received many years of enjoyment from her four-legged children Charbon, Pepper, Matilda, Misty and Kellie with whom she is now reunited. She is survived by her sister-in-law Earlene Pliler, niece Kathy Pliler and nephew Raymond Pliler of Shreveport, La., nephew Scott Pliler of Raleigh, N.C. and nephew Byron Pliler of Columbus, Ohio. Great nephews Jason and Brady Pliler, great nieces Lisa Tike, Amber Lindholm and Jenn Leaver. Great-great nieces Lila Tike, Tess Leaver and Taylor Lindholm and great-great nephew Suneil Tike and Case Leaver. Nickie added to her family former neighbors Rebecca Cobb and her husband Jason and their children Tristan, Callum, Kieran, Victoria and Hadleigh; Amanda Ortiz and husband Kiko; special friend Tina Fiorini and husband Michael; and new-found friend Noreen Hanson and daughter Sherry. A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 2 at 11 a.m. in the Community Room of St. Andrews Village located at 13801 E. Yale Ave. in Aurora. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions be made to the Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO 80231 or online at www.ddfl.org.