Service Information
Virgil J. Vacek, age 75, husband of Mary Kay, of rural Glencoe, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at his home in rural Glencoe.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021, at 2:00 P.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson with interment in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Sunday, February 14, 2021, from 12:30-2:00 P.M. at St. Anastasia Catholic Church.
Military Honors by the Silver Lake American Legion Honor Guard Post 141.
Please see https://www.stanastasia.net/ for the live streaming of Virgil’s service.
Masks are required and social distancing guidelines will be followed.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Silver Lake American Legion Post 141 Honor Guard at 241 Main St W, Silver Lake, MN 55381.
Obituary
Virgil James Vacek was born on August 14, 1945, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of James and Helen (Pilarski) Vacek. Virgil was baptized as an infant and confirmed in his faith, both at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Silver Lake, Minnesota. He received his education in Hutchinson and was a graduate of the Hutchinson High School Class of 1963.
Virgil entered active military service in the Army National Guard.
On May 14, 1966, Virgil was united in marriage to Mary Kay Rannow at St. Adelbert’s Catholic Church in Silver Lake. This marriage was blessed with three sons, David, Matthew, and Aaron. Virgil and Mary Kay resided on their farm in Hassan Valley Township, rural Glencoe, Minnesota. They shared 54 years of marriage.
Virgil was first employed at the Creamery in Glencoe, followed by Schwartz Manufacturing in Cokato, Minnesota, Hutchinson Manufacturing, and then began working at Scherping Systems Inc. in Winsted, Minnesota until retiring in February of 2006. He also farmed his land in Glencoe for several years. Virgil was a member of St. Anastasia Catholic Church in Hutchinson. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #1841, the American Legion Post 141 in Silver Lake where he spent a great amount of time volunteering, the Silver Lake Sportsman Club, and the DAV #37 in Hutchinson.
Virgil enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, working with metal, woodworking, and cutting wood. He also enjoyed smoking meat, making maple syrup, mushrooming, and wild ricing. He loved sharing his produce with others. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends.
Virgil passed away on Tuesday, February 9, 2021, at his home in Glencoe, at the age of 75 years. Blessed be his memory.
Virgil is survived by his:
Wife, Mary Kay Vacek of Glencoe, MN;
Sons, David Vacek and his wife, Tanya, of Glencoe, MN,
Matthew Vacek and his wife, Jennifer, of Duluth, MN,
Aaron Vacek and his wife, Tessa, of Minnetonka, MN;
Grandchildren, Brandon, Saijal, Aislin, Aleda, Matalynn, Kendis, and Marek;
Siblings, Roger Vacek and his wife, Carolyn, of Hutchinson, MN,
Robert Vacek of Verndale, MN,
Marjorie Nowak of Neosho, MO,
James Vacek and his wife, Debbie, of California,
Terry Vacek and his wife, Linda, of St. Charles, MO,
Jane Dennison and her husband, Steve, of Glencoe, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Virgil is preceded in death by his Parents, James and Helen Vacek; Brother, Christopher Vacek; Sister, Julie Vacek in infancy; and Brother-In-Law, Clarence Nowak.
Kelli Bruhn says
Mary Kay and family,
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike Piehl says
Mary Kay & Family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I really dont even know what to say. Virgil was loved by so many people! I was happy to have known him and been friends with him. He was such and inspiration and mentor to so many people! He always had a smile on his face and willing to help anyone. Virgil was one of the most active members of the Silver Lake Sportsman’s Club and am honored that I was able to learn from him and spend a lot of time with him. There are alot of people mourning Virgil’s death. He was so active in all the organizations he was a member of, but the Silver Lake Sportsman’s Club is really going to be affected by his passing. His knowledge, leadership and hardwork will be missed so much! I know Virgil and Bob are having one heck of a time right now together! If there is anything that the Sportsman’s Club can do, please ask!
Kathy and Harvey Dvorak says
Mary , our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Joyce Beilke-Vacek says
Heartfelt sympathies for the whole Vacek family, especially MaryKay, David, Matt&Aaron and all the grandchildren. He was so loved&will be missed by all. Love to the family.
Jim and Betty Konerza says
Prayers and so many thoughts are coming your way. May Virgil rest in peace with all the other angels.
David & Karen Osmek says
Mary Kay and family–Our sympathy and prayers go out to you.
Larry and Jeanette Hoof says
Mary Kay and family – Our thoughts and prayers to you, getting to know Virgil and working with him at Schwartz Mfg. in Cokato was a joy for me. I will always remember him for “Lets get it done and this is how WE will do it.”
Louise Butterfield says
Sending prayers, love, hugs and some tears. May Christ hold you all in his arms at this very sad time. Love you all, Louise
Cory and Cyndi Fouquette says
What a great person and true friend. We love you, and will miss you Virgil. Our sympathy goes out to the whole Vacek family.
Eric Schultz says
Sorry for your loss. I lost my father a few years back and I was hard on me for a while but just know it will get easier with time. Just think of all the good times you had together.
Bruce and Debbie Otten says
Mary Kay and Family, my deepest sympathy for all of you, Virgil was truly one of the nicest people I knew, I was fortunate enough to meet and work with him in the 70’s and early 80’s when we worked together at Schwartz manufacturing in Cokato. I really enjoyed working with him. He was fun and very knowledgeable and willing to help me whenever I had a problem or question. The world lost a very good man! Virgil will be in my prayers!
Kris Farenbaugh says
Mary Kay and family So sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers to the family at his difficult time.
Kris Farenbaugh & Family
Gene & Grace Chrast says
Mary Kay and family,
Our deepest sympathies to you all. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Heaven has gained a special, special angel.
Gene and Grace Chrast
Jennifer Shide says
Virgil…what a funny guy. He was kind. He was knowledgeable about so many things. He was always doing something. He loved his family, community and especially Mary Kay. He will be missed.
Love Jennifer Shide
Susan Weidman says
Mary Kay and family: I am so sorry for your loss. I will miss seeing him when I come to see Tessa and Aaron (hopefully this year). Hugs are sent your way. I am so sorry that mom and I will not be able to come to the services. This Covid really sucks.
Sally Prohaska says
So sorry for your loss and our deepest sympathy to you and your family Mary Kay. . ……… Sally and Verne Prohaska Michaelee Jenkins parents
Gerald and Roberta Zaruba says
Mary Kay and sons,
Few words can describe the disbelief and denial we experienced upon hearing of Virgil’s passing. Growing up on neighboring farms, it brought a flood of fond memories to mind. ( Motor bikes, firecrackers, threshing, motor scooters, St Joe’s grade school, hunting, etc. etc. etc)
In the ensuing years, visits would kick off with a big smile at the door, an offer of a cold beverage of your choice, and “ample” food. Visits would end with Virgil presenting you with a generous portion of his famous home grown popcorn.
Yes, our collective hearts are broken, but we can rest assured that this week there is a fresh smiling face in heaven!
Rochelle says
Mary Kay & family
Our deepest sympathies.
Virgil was a very kind man with a great sense of humor. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all during the difficult time.
Todd & Rochelle Drahos
Kimberly Youngberg says
The first time I met Virgil he showed me his tomato garden-more like a tomato forest- I was in awe of his gardening skills! Each year Jennifer showed off the produce her family had been given from his latest crop. Thinking of Virgil each year when planting my own garden, down in the soil, smiling, knowing mine would never even come close! Appreciating that he was out there working hard at something he loved so much and loved to share with others. So sorry for your heartbreaking loss of Virgil your loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, cherished community member, and gardening legend.
May peace grow within you as you hold his memory close,
Sincerely, Kim Youngberg
Mark & Sue Reinert says
Mary Kay and family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Virgil was my “Gardening Inspiration”. “God has Virgil in his arms, you have him in your heart”
Kathy and Don Jerabek says
Sorry to hear of Virgil’s passing. We have lots of good memories with you guys in our younger years. You are in our prayers
mary binsfeld says
Mary Kay and family, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Jerry and I would be there for the funeral but because of covid we thought it best to stay home.
Gary & Marjorie Hemmann says
Our sympathies to you and your family. Virgil was a kind and friendly person
Mary Ann Kerkvliet says
Mary Kay. I was sorry to learn of Virgil’s death. Heaven has gained another saint. I called Gloria and she shared with me how beautiful the funeral mass was. I am going on retreat this week and will remember Virgil and you and your family in prayer. Peace and Gentle Blessings. Mary Ann
Mark Schreiner says
Vacek family I am very sorry for your loss
KATHY (Slanga) WINTER says
So sorry for your loss, Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kurt Gizmo Rischmiller says
MARY KAY and Vacek family,
Sending my sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Virgil was a lot of fun to be with whether at work, fishing or just visiting. He was an inspiration to all. Let me know if there is anything l can do to help!
Dean & Nita Totushek says
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Sue Tellers says
So sorry for the passing of your husband.
Bruce and Doreen Nowak says
Mary Kay and family, We are so sorry for your loss. We always enjoyed visiting with you and Virgil at the Legion Breakfast.