Virgil William Ufkin

Virgil William Ufkin was born on December 27, 1917, in Omro Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota. He grew up on the family farm, attended country school and graduated from Canby High School. Virgil attended Teacher’s Training and taught country school for a few years. On July 6, 1941, he was united in marriage to Ruth Pearson. The couple moved to Minneota and purchased the Gambles Store. Virgil was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. He served with Patton’s Army in Europe. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Minneota. He was re-activated during the Korean War and served at a supply depot in Baltimore. After his service, he returned and continued to run the store in Minneota until he retired in 1983. As was typical of his generation, Virgil had a strong commitment to his community. He was instrumental in starting the Minneota Golf Course, Swimming Pool and Trail System. He was a charter member of the Rotary Club and was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church. Virgil enjoyed wintering in Arizona. After his wife, Ruth, died, Virgil was later married to Mary Johnston in 1998. The couple continued enjoying their retirement until Mary’s death in 2016. Virgil died on Thursday, January 04, 2018, at the Minneota Manor in Minneota. He is survived by his son Bill (and Alison) Ufkin of Minneota and daughter Jean Ufkin of Minneapolis, grandson Tony Ufkin of Minneapolis, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his wives, Ruth and Mary, granddaughter Emily, brothers Willis (and Bea,) Donald (and Doris,) and sister Betty (and Orville) Ormseth.