"We have enjoyed Virgene?s company since Janice?s stay here. Until recently she was always so upbeat and interesting to visit with. We had a few good card games too. You nieces and nephews have been so good to her and with her and I know she loved you dearly. May she Rest In Peace. Janice and Duane"
In loving memory of
Virgene M Kroeger
March 20, 1922 - December 16, 2022
Virgene Madelyn, daughter of Henry and Helma (Strathman) Kruse was born March 20, 1922, in Washington Township near Manning, Iowa. She was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison in 1927 and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Manning by Rev. Ansorqe in 1937. She grew up near Manning attending rural schools near her home. She graduated from Westside High School in 1939 after which she attended beauty school in Omaha and Des Moines for two years completing her education in 1941. She operated a beauty shop in Westside.
On January 3, 1945, Virgene was united in marriage with Orville Kroeger in Omaha, Nebraska. Virgene continued working the beauty shop in Westside for several years and helped on the farm. After about 24 years she retired from the beauty shop and she and Orville operated a café on the east edge of Westside. In 1977 they moved to a farm near Manning. They retired from farming in 1985 and moved to their home in Manning. She worked at the Corner Café in Manning for 10 years and helped out part time at the Senior Center. She was an active member of the Zion Lutheran Churches in Arcadia and Manning. She enjoyed her time with the Altar Guild, the quilting ladies at church and volunteering at the MRHC Auxiliary. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing for her family.
After the death of her husband Orville, on December 10, 1999, Virgene lived in their home until 2010 when she moved to the Terrace Apartments. When she could no longer live alone, she moved to the Manning Plaza Nursing Home. On Friday, December 16, 2022, Virgene passed away at Accura Healthcare of Manning. She was 100 years, 8 months and 26 days of age.
Virgene was preceded in death by her parents; husband Orville Kroeger; two sisters Neva (Robert) Hinners and Genelle (Leland) Kienast.
She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
In Loving Memory Of Virgene Kroeger
Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Zion Lutheran Church, Manning, Iowa
Rev. Jonathan Conner and Rev. Robert Riggert Officiating
Vocal Selection "Precious Lord, Take My Hand" by Jill Arp, Vocalist
Congregational Hymns are "Just As I Am" and "I Am Trusting You, Lord Jesus" Nathanael Conner, Organist
Casket Bearers are Tim Kienast, Bary Kienast, Bryan Rohe, Brent Kreft, Jason Kienast and Dustin Karsten
Interment at the Manning Cemetery, Manning, Iowa
Tributes
"We send deepest sympthy and prayers from Des Moines to Virgene's nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. We are cousins of Virgene through our deceased dad Lester Hagedorn and have fond memories of Virgene. Gratefully, she was called home by the God to whom she was so faithful for 100 years. She is now enjoying her new life with our loving God and with so many loved ones who were there to welcome her. May Virgene rest in eternal peace and joy! SIster Jeanie and Sister Elaine Hagedorn, chm"