Service Information
Virgil E. Goebel, age 96, husband of Delores, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at his home in Hutchinson.
Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021, at 11:00 A.M. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021, from 2:00 to 4:00 P.M., and will continue one hour prior to the service all at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
The service will be available through live stream, please go to https://www.oslhutch.com and click on connect to Facebook for streaming.
Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred.
Obituary
Virgil Edward Goebel was born on July 12, 1924, in Evergreen Township, Minnesota. He was the son of Fred and Elsie (Borth) Goebel, and brother to Harvey. Virgil was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in his faith as a youth. He received his education in Lester Prairie and Hutchinson and was a graduate with the Hutchinson Class of 1942.
At age 19, Virgil was drafted to active military service in the United States Army on May 29, 1943. He served in the Infantry Division for three years, including five months stationed near Osaka, Japan. He received an Honorable Discharge on February 14, 1946, and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant. Virgil was presented a handmade Quilt of Valor at Kiwanis in 2018 honoring his service in World War II.
On July 4, 1948, Virgil was joined in marriage to Delores Kuester at Peace Lutheran Church. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Barbara and Richard. In 1948, Virgil and Delores built their house on Dale Street in Hutchinson, where they lived together their entire marriage. Friday night was always date night for Virgil and Delores, who enjoyed dinner out together weekly, and welcomed family when they were available to join. They shared 73 years of marriage.
Goebel Fixture Company started from humble beginnings as Fred’s small fix-it shop in Lester Prairie. During the Great Depression, Virgil’s dad decided to relocate to Hutchinson in 1935. The business grew and evolved into a custom cabinet shop where Fred, Harvey, and Virgil all pitched in and worked together. After the deaths of his father and brother, Goebel Fixture Company was officially incorporated in 1966 with Virgil as President. The company flourished serving clients such as Chicago Cutlery, 3M, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and others, establishing the business as one of the prominent fixture manufacturers in the country. After 48 years, Virgil retired from Goebel in 1994. In 2016, Virgil was inducted into the Shop! Association Hall of Fame for his contributions and influence on the retail fixture industry. His entire family traveled to Scottsdale, Arizona to celebrate as he accepted the award.
Virgil enjoyed spending time with his family. He and Delores often spent days at their cabin on Lake Washington. Virgil delighted in traveling, fishing, bowling, and attending high school football, basketball, and hockey games. He held many services and volunteer positions at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and was active in Kiwanis, and served on the board of directors at Citizen’s Bank, Hutch Hospital, and others. In 2001 Virgil was chosen to be Mr. Hutchinson by the Jaycees. Virgil also spent many hours on woodworking projects, gifting each member of his family a piece of furniture he built for them. A fun highlight took place at age 92 when Virgil was thrilled to throw out the honorary first pitch at the Twins game versus the Milwaukee Brewers.
Virgil passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at his home in Hutchinson, Minnesota at the age of 96.
Virgil was patient, generous, kind-hearted, and respectful of all people. Family and faith were deeply important to him. He will be warmly remembered for these qualities, and how his face lit up with joy as he greeted his great-grandchildren. May his memory bless all who knew him.
Virgil is survived by his:
Wife, Delores Goebel of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Barbara Field of Hutchinson, MN,
Richard Goebel and his wife, Paula, of Darwin, MN;
Grandchildren, Matthew Field and his wife, Amy, of Buffalo, MN,
Amy Paulson and her husband, Rory Jr., of Hutchinson, MN;
Great-Grandchildren, Ariana Field and Wesley Paulson;
Step-Grandson, Wade Christenson of Litchfield, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Virgil is preceded in death by his Parents, Fred and Elsie; Brother, Harvey Goebel and his wife, Eleanor; Son-in-law, Glenn Field.
Pastor Dan and Marji Cloeter says
Delores, as this year closes, a new chapter for Virgil opens as he passes from life to life. We are sad for your temporary loss but are also filled with joy and anticipation as we soon will join him in our eternal home. We so wish we could be with you to comfort and encourage you in Christ our risen Lord. Please know that we love you and pray Jesus’ perfect peace over you. “Blessed are those who die in the Lord. Yes, says the Spirit. They will rest from their labors and their works will follow them.” (Revelation). Pastor Dan and Marji Cloeter
Barb Field says
Thank you.
Diane Doring says
Delores, Bard and Dick I remember your dad well. He was a very happy and caring man. I remember all the Christmas’s and picnics. Sorry to see him go.
Barb Field says
Thank you.
Barb Field says
Thank You . I
Barb Field says
Thank you
Joan Meece says
I worked for Goebel Fixture Company in the 80’s and remember Virgil as being a very kind and humble man. My thoughts are with you Delores, Barb and Dick. Blessed be his memory.
Barb Field says
Thank you Joan.
Barb Field says
Thank you
Charlie and Kim Schimmelpfennig says
So sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories.
Maryann Knoss Schultz says
My deepest sympathy! A true pillar of the Hutchinson community. He will be greatly missed, but his company will remain a reminder of what he built.
Barb Field says
Thank you
Bonnie Rae Dupslaff says
Sincere condolences to Delores and family for your recent loss. He was a cousin who was loved by his cousin, my late Mother, Lorraine Goebel Dupslaff Blanchette.
Barb Field says
Thank you..I remember your mother!
Elizabeth Gassman says
I am so sorry for your loss, he was such an amazing guy! I pray you find peace and understanding in this sad time. Sending hugs to the whole family!
Barb Field says
Thanks Beth
Melody Thompson says
I only worked with your family for a short time , but during that time Virgil brought such joy to everyone he had contact with an was a pleasure to care for. He was a truly amazing man and will be greatly missed by so many. Delores an family my thoughts an prayers are with you during this time.
Barb Field says
Thanks Melody!
Gene Oberg says
Barb, Dick and families,
So sorry to hear of Virgil’s passing. He was such a kind and generous man and a great example of how a Christian should live their life!
I so enjoyed the years I worked at GFC and have many fond memories of Virgil. Rest assured, Virgil is now with our Lord and Savior!
So sorry I could not be there today to celebrate the life of a great man!
Gene and Deb Oberg
Barb Field says
Thanks Gene!
Amy Paulson says
Thank you for your kind words.
Dennis Meyer says
Our prayers go out to you Deloris and your family I really enjoyed working at Goebel Fixture for 33 years.Virgil was the most thoughtful boss I ever had. May he rest in peace.
Barb Field says
Thanks Dennis!
Linda Klammer says
Dear Delores, Barbara, Dick, and Family:
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember Virgil—a kind, considerate, compassionate man who worked hard throughout his life for his family, yet always willingly lent a gracious hand to others. I know he was a best friend to my dad and shared many “adventures” with him—hunting, fishing, and so much more. I know my dad was grateful for his friendship and fully appreciated the loyal support Virgil always provided him through thick and thin. Thank you from LeRoy’s family, too. Virgil’s influence spread farther than you know. May you find comfort in your special memories, until you are all together again.
Sincerely, Linda
David Olson says
Delores, Barb, and Dick
Sorry about your loss
I just heard about Virgil‘s passing today
I worked there from 1966 to 1976
All five owners were my boss at sometime
In 1976 my father wanted to retire and sell the family business to my two brothers and me
Virgil and I had many discussions to decide if it was the right decision for me
Virgil was a fantastic boss
Such a loss
David Olson
702 S. Meridian
Apache Junction Arizona 85120
Bill Aschinger says
Goebel Family
I just became aware of Virgil’s passing.
He was a kind and generous man who always treated others with dignity.
It was a personal honor to be associated with him.