Halse, Virginia Lee (Herold) 1941 - 2020

HALSE, HEROLD, JENNISCH, MATHIASEN, BRUENING, RILLING, DRENTH, BLODGETT, LUTHER, TLOUGAN

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 6/11/2020 at 19:21:28

Virginia Lee (Herold) Halse, 79, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 2, 2020 surrounded by her family, at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus in Rochester, MN.

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, June 6, 2020 at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges officiating. Inurnment will be in Burr Oak Cemetery.

Visitation will begin on Saturday at 10:00 A.M., one hour before the service, at the church.

Virginia was born March 23, 1941 in Decorah, Iowa to Cyril and Helen (Jennisch) Herold. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah. She graduated from St. Francis DeSales Catholic School in Ossian, IA with the Class of 1959.

Virginia married Earl Wilson Halse on October 15, 1960 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church. To this union, two sons and two daughters were born: Perry, Lisa, Lynne, and Daniel. Together Earl and Virginia built their home, raised bottle calves, and registered Welsh Ponies for several years on their farm in Canoe Township. Virginia worked as a telephone operator, at the Burger Five, and at North Winn Schools in Food Service, but took the most pride in being a mother, homemaker, and host to all of her family and friends.

Virginia was a witty woman who stood 4 feet 11 inches. Her heart belonged to her husband who she fell in love with at age 16. She always told her family, “the best things come in small packages,” and she was not wrong. Virginia was revered by all who knew her. She could spark contagious laughter, had a phenomenal sense of humor, and had a smile that would light up the room. She was always her family and friends’ biggest cheerleader. Her exuberant reactions to news meant she was often the first person to be called when there were milestones and accomplishments to share. Her spunky personality was one of her greatest attributes that everyone was drawn towards. Virginia will always be remembered as a generous, loving, and giving person who demonstrated and taught us all the power of humor and humbleness.

Virginia had a strong faith that held steadfast throughout her entire life. She rarely missed a Sunday mass and relied on the Lord to help her through life’s challenges. Specifically, she looked to St. Jude to help with difficult circumstances and found hope and renewal through his spirit. She was known for reminding her family that tough times were “in God’s hands now,” and prayer could get them through anything. Because of this faith, she did not fear death. She knew she would be reunited with those she held near to her heart and be at home with the Lord.

Virginia’s greatest pride in her life was her family, of which she played the central role as the “rock” of it. She was the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother anyone could ask for. Wherever family fun gathered you could be sure to find her at the center of it—she definitely did not want to miss out. She loved to travel and spoke fondly of her trips to Germany, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Seattle. Anyone who knew her well knew Virginia loved the holidays, area horse sales, crocheting, Native American culture, swimming, tubing the Upper Iowa River with her girls and camping (especially with Pat McCormick). She also loved shopping at the local flea markets and at JCPenny’s to keep abreast with the latest fashion trends—something that was very important to her. On a special occasion going to the boat to play penny machines brought her a real thrill—but regardless of the activity she found joy in life’s blessings and each day she spent with family and friends was a good one.

Virginia is survived by her true love, Earl Halse, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage, and four beloved children: Perry (Tom Mathiasen and Becky) Halse, Lisa (Paul) Bruening, Lynne (Donnie) Rilling all of Decorah, Iowa, and LTC, (R) Daniel (Julie) Halse of Alexandria, Virginia. Virginia is also survived by ten grandchildren who brought her great joy throughout the past 35 years: Justin (Jessica) Rilling, Jessica (Samuel) Drenth, Morgan Rilling, Capt Daniel Joseph Halse Jr., Devin (Miranda) Bruening, Mackenzie Halse, Courtney (Jared) Blodgett, Alexandra Halse, Lucas Halse, and Shannon Bruening; and three great-grandchildren Josephine and Charlotte Drenth and Ida Mae Rilling. Virginia was the youngest of four siblings and is survived by her sister Mary Luther of Hampton, Iowa; two brothers Robert (Jerry) Herold and Cletus (Reva) Herold of Des Moines, Iowa; and brother-in-law Philip (Evelyn) Halse of Decorah, Iowa. She is also survived by her best friend, Pat McCormick of Decorah, Iowa.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents Helen Herold Tlougan and Cyril Herold and in-laws Ida and Raymond Halse. Her family finds great joy and solitude in knowing she has reunited with her loving mother and is at peace resting with her Lord. The memories will live on in all those who knew her.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Burr Oak Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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