Virginia Marie (Freiheit) Mandelko, 84, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Harmony Place, Harmony, Minn., surrounded by her family.
Virginia was born July 9, 1940, at her parents, Earl and Thelma (Finch) Freiheit’s home near Wykoff, Minn. She was baptized and confirmed at Dr. Martin Luther Church of Spring Valley. She married Allan Eugene Mandelko August 19, 1960, at the same church. Virginia and Allan lived a 64-year marriage.
Virginia attended school in Wykoff and graduated from Wykoff High School in 1958. She was a member of the band, choir and drama club. After graduation, she worked for several years at the Thompson Abstract Office in Preston, Minn. Virginia and Allan started farming in Bristol Township with Allan’s parents and eventually took over when his parents retired.
Through the years Virginia was an active church member at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Ruth Circle and served on the church council. She was an avid golfer, loved to play cards, knit and crochet.
Virginia was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband Allan Mandelko, daughter Marcia (Joseph) Jaeb, two sons, Dale (Lori) Mandelko and Scott (Donna) Mandelko; nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two brothers, Wallace Freiheit and Warren (Sandy) Freiheit; and sister-in-law Karen Freiheit.
She was preceded in death by parents Earl and Thelma Freiheit, brother Wayne Freiheit and sister-in-law Phyllis Freiheit.
The family would like to thank the Harmony Place Memory Care staff members for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Virginia. A special thank you to the many friends and relatives, who called, sent cards and stopped in to visit Virginia during her stay.
Visitation will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Schmelzer (formerly known as Lindstrom) Funeral Home in Harmony, Minn. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Granger, Minn., with visitation one hour prior to service at the church on Saturday morning. Interment at St. Matthew’s Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew’s Cemetery or a charity of your choice.
Schmelzer Funeral Home in Harmony is handling arrangements for the Mandelko family.