Snell, Virgil Dean -- 1928 - 2011

SNELL, POLLITT, BERG, LARSON, TOLLEFSRUD, HEADINGTON, ROSS, WILLIAMS, TATUM, HALWEG, DEHNING, BERG, PETERSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/15/2012 at 16:41:51

Decorah Journal Feb. 10, 2011

Virgil D. Snell, 83, of Decorah, died Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011 at Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Visitation was 4-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, at Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Funeral service was 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9 at Burr Oak Lutheran Church in Burr Oak, with Pastor Matt Larson officiating. Organist was Renae McIntosh. Tonya Tollefsrud and Sue Snell sang “The Prayer of St. Francis” and “Here I Am, Lord.” Accompanist was Kathy Tollefsrud. Soloist was Paul Casterton (“How Great Thou Art” and “The Lord’s Prayer”). Congregational Hymns were “In the Garden,” “What A Friend We Have in Jesus” and “Amazing Grace.” Casketbearers were Brad Larson, Danny Tollefsrud, Justin Ross, Adam Tollefsrud, Paul Snell, Mark Headington, Heath Williams and Jimmie Tatum. Honorary bearers were Shandell Larson, Tonya Tollefsrud, Heather Williams, Amanda Headington, Kirsten Snell, Nicole Tatum, Kim Ross and Laurie Parrish. Interment was at Burr Oak Cemetery, Decorah. Arrangements were handled by Fjelstul Funeral Home, Decorah. www.fjelstul.com .

Virgil Dean Snell was born Jan. 20, 1928 on the Snell family farm in Bluffton Township, near Burr Oak, the son of Paul and Myrtle (Pollitt) Snell. He attended the rural Snell school in Burr Oak Township through 8th grade and Canton High School. He was united in marriage with Hazel LuVerne Berg June 13, 1948 at First Lutheran Church in Decorah. This union was blessed with four children: Jacque, Kathy, Dianne and David.

Virgil farmed the family farm for many years. Virgil and LuVerne moved to Decorah in 1985 and he continued to farm. For 20 years he also sold Pioneer Seeds. Virgil was a very active member of Burr Oak Lutheran Church, including Bible Study; he was also active in Rivers and Bluffs Classic Tractors, Monday Night Group, Team Rehab, Polka Club and numerous other community groups.

Virgil and LuVerne were very gracious hosts at their home. They loved to entertain family and friends, particularly spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also liked to cook and play cards. Virgil especially enjoyed going to the lake every summer with his whole family, first near Park Rapids, Minn. and then to Chetek, Wis. for many years; he also liked to fish.

Virgil is survived by his four children: Jacque (Marv) Larson of Palo, Kathy (Bernell) Tollefsrud of Decorah, Diane (Larry) Headington of Decorah and David (Sue) Snell of Decorah; nine grandchildren: Bradley (Shandell) Larson of Ankeny, Kimberley (Justin) Ross of Marion, Daniel Tollefsrud (special friend Laurie Parrish) of Decorah, Adam (Tonya) Tollefsrud of Decorah, Heather (Heath) Williams of Mabel, Minn., Nicole (Jimmie) Tatum of Pensacola, Fla., Mark (Amanda) Headington of Decorah, and Kirsten Snell and Paul Snell of Decorah; 16 great-grandchildren: Caleb and Cameron Larson, Kyan and Marley Ross, Tanner, Aidan and Josie Tollefsrud, Emma, Gwen and Kale Tollefsrud, Colby and Samantha Williams, Kaid and Kashton Headington, and Timothy and Aubrie Tatum; one brother, Neil (Lenora) Snell of Cedar Falls; one brother-in-law, Paul Halweg of Burr Oak; and two sisters-in-law, Marjorie Dehning of Decorah and Caryl (Dean) Larson of Decorah.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife LuVerne, June 9, 2007; one sister Naomi Halweg; one brother Bob Snell; three brothers-in-law: Lloyd Berg, Selmer Peterson and Harold Dehning; and one sister-in-law, Gail Snell.

Transcrbed from a newspaper clipping submitted by Janice Sowers

Burr Oak Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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