Virgil (John) Maier

Virgil Maier was born in Canby on September 13, 1924, to Henry and Nellie (Plageman) Maier. He was baptized and confirmed at the Zacchaeus Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canby. He graduated in 1942 from the Canby High School. He served in the United States Navy during WWII aboard the USS Tekelma, a rescue boat in the Pacific near the Philippines. While at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Chicago he played trumpet in the Great Lakes Naval Band and played taps in the evening. He married Cleo Clarissa Hill on November 4, 1967, in Chicago. They resided there for over 40 years where Virgil worked as a Maintenance Superintendent. Upon retirement they moved to the Canby area and purchased property in Burr. Virgil and Debbie enjoyed taking trips. They traveled to China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, England, Africa, and other locations. They attended many naval and class reunions. Virgil was a great dancer. He enjoyed photography, auctions, gardening and his dog, Teddi. Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Debbie, of Canby, two sisters: Marilyn (Richard) Kontz of Alexandria and Barbara (Dale) Haack of St. Peter, eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.