Virgil Christianson

Virgil G. Christianson, 69, of Waukon, IA, died Thursday, October 27, 2016, at Good Samaritan Center in Waukon. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 2nd, at 11:00 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, IA, with Pastor Ken Kimball officiating. Burial will be at the church cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Tuesday at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon.

Virgil Gene Christianson was born October 31, 1946, at home in rural Waukon, IA, the son of Andrew Cornelius and Hilma Cornelia (Larson) Christianson. He was baptized and confirmed at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville, IA. In 1979, Virgil started attending TASC, and continued to attend until he had a stroke in 2012 when he went into Good Samaritan Center. In his 33 years at TASC, Virgil worked at various sites including Waukon Harley Davidson, Reel Core, and the Food Ranch grocery store. He also helped out on his siblings' farms and even though he wasn't supposed to, would drive the tractor. He was very devoted to his mom, Hilma, and enjoyed helping her around the house. A timekeeper, Virgil kept everyone on schedule.

He liked cleaning house and cracking and cleaning hickory nuts, which he later gave as gifts; he loved doing plastic canvas needlepoint and made coasters, pencil holders, and tissue boxes. With TASC, Virgil bowled and played softball. He enjoyed watching the Dukes of Hazzard, and dancing to and playing his harmonica with the Toe Tappers. Virgil had fun and lived life to the fullest.

Virgil is survived by his eight siblings: Hilmen (Lillian) Christianson, Anaruth Bechtel, Ione Rema, Margaret Herman, Clifton (Charlotte) Christianson, all of Waukon, Carmen (Marge) Christianson of Preston, MN, Norman (Gayle) Christianson of Vallejo, CA, and Vivian (Dave) Benjegerdes of Postville, IA; an aunt Lillian Larson of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers-in-law: Karl Bechtel, Norman Rema, and Alton Herman.

Honorary casketbearers are the staff and clients at TASC. Casketbearers are Bob Christianson, Herb Bechtel, Ray Svendson, Don Herman, Gary Christianson, Andy Christianson, and Jaron Christianson, Dennis Herman, and Greg Benjegerdes.