After a life of love and quiet grace, Virgil Christensen, 96, has passed.
Here is the shape of a life remembered with love.
The story begins in 1928, with the arrival of a life that would be cherished by many.
Virgil held deeply to the Methodist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
The bonds of those who served beside him are bonds that time does not loosen.
Virgil Christensen, 96 of Hurley, passed away on July 11, 2024 at the Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home. Funeral Service will be at 10:30 AM Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at the Hurley United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, July 15, 2024 at the church with a Prayer Service beginning at 7:00PM. Arrangements provided by Hofmeister-Jones Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be directed to South Dakota Make-A-Wish Foundation. Virgil Reed Christensen was born January 23, 1928, to Soren and Esther Christensen on a farm two miles west of Hurley. The family lived on various farms in Turner County, and Virgil attended Swan Lake Dist. 44 and Centerville Dist. 55 country schools before permanently moving to the family farm one mile south of Hurley. Virgil graduated from Hurley High School in 1946. Virgil served in the U.S. Army, stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado, during the Korean Conflict. He was very proud in his role as company clerk and made lifelong friends, later enjoying many Army reunions around the Midwest. Following his Army service, Virgil returned to the family farm. On May 25, 1952, Virgil married Marlene Poppenga of Lennox at the Turner County Presbyterian Church. They farmed until their retirement and relocation to senior living in Sioux Falls. They had three children: Dan, Jeanne, and Linda. Virgil was a lifelong member and served in various roles of the Hurley American Legion Post 21 and the Hurley United Methodist Church. As a passionate advocate of bringing safe drinking water to rural areas in Turner and McCook Counties, Virgil was one of the original directors of the TM Rural Water System. He faithfully served on the board of directors for 25 years. In 2003 he received the Carroll Anderson Award, the highest award given by the State Rural Water Association. Virgil became famous for his love of baking and Christmas candy creations at his senior living community. He enjoyed many visitors, especially with family members. He was an avid Minnesota Twins and Vikings fan. Virgil passed away on July 11, 2024, at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg. He was 96. He is survived by his children: Dan Christensen of Hurley; Jeanne (Jim) Goodman of Pierre; and Linda Christensen of Phoenix, AZ; five grandchildren: Amy (Greg) Johnson and David (Kelly) Christensen, both of Hurley; Brooke (Scott) Hillard of Sioux Falls; Greg (Wanda) Goodman and Allen (Sadie) Goodman, both of Pierre; nine great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; sister Ruth Wilcox of Jacksonville, FL; sister-in-law Marilyn Christensen of Fountain Hills, AZ; special friend Char Lange of Davis; and many nieces and nephews. Virgil is preceded in death by his wife Marlene, sisters Vivian Jorgensen, Florence Christopherson, Avis Jurgens; brothers Maurice Christensen and Lloyd Christensen; and infant siblings Duane and Helen.
