Virgil Tollakson

Funeral services for Virgil Tollakson, of Starbuck, Minnesota, will be held on Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Minnewaska Lutheran Church in Starbuck with Rev. Dr. Joel Rolf officiating.  Visitation will be on Tuesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at the Starbuck Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.  Burial will be at Fron Lutheran Cemetery, rural Starbuck.

Virgil Dean Tollakson was born in Madison, Minnesota to Elmer and Alma Tollakson on July 28, 1934.   He was raised there and then moved to California for a few years.  He moved back to Minnesota and met and married Ruth Ann Ophaug.  They had three children together: Greg, Kim, and Todd.

Virgil worked at the Cement Products and Starbuck Creamery for a few years.  He went on to being a bartender.  He worked at the Minnewaska House for many years and then started at the Water’s Edge when it opened.  Virgil worked there until his retirement.  He enjoyed socializing with all of his customers and friends.  You could go anywhere with him, and the people all knew “Virgil.”

Virgil and Ruth Ann enjoyed 23 years together; they had a lot of great memories together and endured some very hard times.  They divorced, and Virgil had some special years with Evie.

In Virgil’s younger years, he loved to go out on the pontoon that he built himself; and the family spent a lot of time on it. Virgil loved to play Gin and would always say “Nobody can beat me at a game of Gin!” He enjoyed having friends over for barbecues and was an excellent cook.  Virgil had to be one of Elvis’ biggest fans.  He was well known for being a fantastic dancer and could really do the jitterbug.

Virgil loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He would always make it to all of the holidays and activities if he could.  They called him “Grandpa Pooper.”

Virgil had a lot of special friends though the years.  Gordy and his wife Mary were lifelong friends.  They had a lot of years of fun times and Gordy would still check on Virgil weekly. He had a lot of fun following Sonny as he did his Elvis shows.  In his last years, his big enjoyment was getting to ride along to the casino.  He also looked forward to his nights of Farkel and fish frys with his buddies.

Virgil told Kim that he felt the best when he was sitting on his golf cart in the sun.  Until we meet again, enjoy being with your boys and may the sun shine on you and keep you warm.

Virgil died on Friday, February 28, 2020, at the Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood, Minnesota; he was 85 years old.

Virgil is survived by his daughter, Kim (Charles) Wesen of Starbuck; grandchildren: Jason (Kelsey) Wesen of Lowry and Lindsey (Ryan) Riehl of Garfield; five great-grandchildren: Jayden, Hunter, Kaydence, Hailey, and Chase; and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his two sons: Greg and Todd; his parents; four brothers and one sister.

Starbuck Funeral Home in Starbuck is in care of arrangements for Virgil.