Virgil E. Reicks

Virgil E. Reicks, 87, of Harmony, Minn., passed away Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Gundersen Harmony Care Center.

Virgil was born September 13, 1936, at home near Cresco, Iowa, to Albert and Louise (Scholbrock) Reicks. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1954. In 1956 Virgil enlisted in the United States Army where he was trained in food service. After two years of active duty, Virgil served two years in active reserves and two years inactive reserves. He had worked in Omaha at an electric company and then in Waterloo at John Deere until 1963. In 1960 he bought a farm near Harmony. On June 8, 1961 Virgil was united in marriage to Rosemary Olheiser at St. Pius Catholic Church in Scheffield, North Dakota. Virgil operated the farm for several years until 1986. He worked at several places over the years including being a self-employed carpenter and “High Point Coverings” in Harmony. He and Rosie continued to live on the farm until 1999 when they moved into Harmony. Rosie later passed away, on January 26, 2014.

Virgil enjoyed getting up early and spending time on the farm with the cattle, carpentry, tinkering, and just keeping busy. He enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren, and especially his great-grandchildren.

Virgil is survived by three children: Lois (Neil) Halverson of Mabel, Jim (Renee) Reicks of Harmony, and Wayne (Ruth) Reicks of Harmony; six grandchildren: Laura, Ryan, Sarah, Andrew, Clarissa, Eliza; six great-grandchildren Maddison, Zachary, Katelyn, Jennifer, Porter, and Charlotte; and two sisters, Luverne Lofthus of Rochester, Minn., and Darlene (Jim) Vsetecka of Alta Vista, Iowa. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Rosie, and siblings Betty Ferrie, Merlin Reicks, and Shirley Martinek.

A memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, May 18 at the Assumption Catholic Church in Canton. Burial with military honors will be in Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Canton. Visistion will be one hour prior to the service at the church. The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.