Virgil Maus

Virgil Emil Maus, son of Emil and Augusta (Mieske) Maus, was born March 23, 1931 in Synnes Township in Stevens County, Minnesota, where he grew up and was baptized on April 12, 1931 and confirmed on July 16, 1944 at Trinity Lutheran Church . He began his schooling at Country School District #58 and continued his education at Alberta High School in Alberta , Minnesota . Following his schooling, he worked as a meat cutter at Willie’s Red Owl Store in Morris. On November 22, 1948, he was united in marriage to Mildred “Mickey” Lange. In January of 1951, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving in the 47 ^th Division as a cook. Virgil received an honorable discharge in September, 1952. Virgil returned to the Alberta area, where he and Mickey raised their children and worked as dairy farmers. They later owned and operated Virgil and Mickey’s Bar in Chokio , MN . After 25 years, they retired and continued to live in Chokio.

Virgil was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Chokio, the 9-F Sportsman Club in Morris and the Chokio Sportsman Club. He was past president of the Chokio Commercial Club and past finance officer of the Chokio Legion. For 36 years, Virgil transported special needs children to their classes and he also served as a volunteer fireman for 21 years. Virgil loved camping in the woods and cooking outside on the campfire. He was a wonderful cook. He greatly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Virgil died on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 at Merit Care Hospital in Fargo , North Dakota , having lived to reach the age of 79 years.

He is survived by his wife: Mildred Maus of Chokio; eight children: David Maus of Ortonville, Darrell (Peggy) Maus of Coon Rapids, Mary Whitmer of New Prague, Daniel (Gayle) Maus of Tucson, AZ, Joan Maus of Ortonville, Timothy Maus of Ortonville, Terry (Carol) Maus of Clinton and Jill (Vince) Powlish of Graceville; ten grandchildren: Shawna Maus, Tracy Freeburg, Nathan Maus, Brian Whitmer, Eric Whitmer, Christa Powlish, Ashley Powlish, Bruce Powlish, Andrew Maus and Danica Maus; seven great-grandchildren; siblings: Sylvia Krei of Maple Grove, Mildred Lesmeister of Morris, Clifford (Dorothy) Maus of Morris, Idella (Donald) Beebe of Lake City, FL, Bertha (Ralph) Sperr of Morris, Jane (Jim) Hruby of St. Cloud and Cecil Maus of Ackron, KY and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law: Ray Whitmer; siblings: Evelyn Reimers, Norma Erdman and infant brother, Ervin; brothers-in-law: Elvin Reimers, Lawrence Erdman, Ralph Lesmeister, Billy McNeill, Herbert Drewes and Ralph Krei and sisters-in-law: Betty Maus and Lola Michaelson.

Pallbearers for the service are: Eric Whitmer, Nathan Maus, Brian Whitmer, Andrew Maus, Bruce Powlish, Joe Conroy and Ian Freeburg. Honorary pallbearers are all of Virgil’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Julene Amborn will serve as organist, for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.