Virgil D. Eickhoff

Remembering the Life of Virgil Eickhoff: A Husband, Father, Grandfather, Sailor, Teacher, Uncle, and Faithful Friend

Virgil D. Eickhoff, 94, of Wykoff, Minn., passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Spring Valley Living. Virgil Darnell Eickhoff was born on August 7, 1930, in Fountain, Minn., to Emil and Irene (Biel) Eickhoff. In 1945, Virgil enlisted in the U.S. Navy and traveled the world on the USS Tarawa. He served during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in September 1954. On June 3, 1956, Virgil married Marva Lee Vogel at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Wykoff. He and Marva had both attended college at Concordia University NE. Virgil received his Bachelor of Science in Education.

Virgil enjoyed traveling with Marva, farming, hunting, fishing, golf, playing cards, and watching his grandkids in all of their activities. You’d often find him loading his boat for a quick trip to Chester Woods. He was so patient and took pleasure in waiting to see what would happen if he’d just sit in the tree stand a little while longer. He truly loved spending time outdoors, especially at the cabin in the woods behind the family farm.

Virgil and Marva built a life that to some may have seemed simple, but looking back, it was quite extraordinary. They adopted four children, weaving them into the fabric of their lives. They never hid the truth — their children knew they were chosen, cherished, and loved. Prayer started and ended their days. Their generosity was shown through always sharing their time with you. They truly wanted the absolute best for and constantly prayed for their immediate and extended family and friends.

Virgil’s life was marked by his love for family, his passion for teaching, and his unwavering faith. He cherished his role as a grandfather and uncle, always ready with a silly joke. His pockets were filled with puzzles, bookshelves brimmed with games, and his world overflowed with curiosity. He never let a moment pass to teach his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews something, catch a firefly, and find joy in the simplest of things, which often included a fresh warm chocolate chip cookie he baked in his later years.

For over 60 years, Virgil and Marva shared a tradition with their many friends — their card club. Every month, the club traveled to a new host home, where they laughed, strategized, and reveled in the camaraderie of friends who knew each other’s quirks and secrets. Their card games weren’t just about winning; they were about connection — the kind that transcends time.

Virgil is survived by his wife Marva Eickhoff, children Tim (Deb) Eickhoff of Spring Valley, Lori (Dale) Payne of Preston, Minn., and Dan (Tammy) Eickhoff of Wykoff; grandchildren Jessy (Aaron) Kotz, Sarah (Adam) Ferden, Becky (Adam McKane) Schraeder, Laura (Brandon) Dohlman, Dagan (Alisa) Payne, Colter (Alissa) Payne, and Reece, Raegan, Riley, and Ryan Eickhoff; 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, his sister Diane (Aaron) Barnhardt, sister-in-law Carol Gauerke, sister-in-law Judy Nack and brother-in-law Rev. Len Gebhardt, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Chaplain Leroy Vogel, Capt., U.S. Navy (Ret.) and Gloria Vogel.

He was preceded in death by his parents, son Stuart “Scott” Eickhoff, brother and sister-in-law Donald and Lila Eickhoff, sister and brother-in-law Myrna Lewis Butler and Dr. Robert Butler, brothers-in-law Rev. Del Nack and Quent Gauerke, and sister-in-law Angela (Vogel) Gebhardt.

A memorial service for Virgil will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Wykoff, Minn., with Pastor Michael Harman officiating. Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Virgil will have military honors after the service and will be laid to rest at the St. Johns cemetery at a later date. Memorials are encouraged to be left to St. Johns Lutheran Church and School. Online condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.

Romans 8:28 states, “And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.” As we remember Virgil, let us carry forward his legacy of love, friendship, and faith.