Virgil D. Froemke

Virgil D. Froemke, 95, of Moorhead, MN, died Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at Eventide on 8th, Moorhead. Virgil was born at home in rural Lisbon, ND, on December 8, 1923, to August and Frieda (Voss) Froemke.

Virgil was raised on the farm and attended Casey School until his senior year, where he graduated from Lisbon High School. Virgil continued his education at NDSCS in Wahpeton. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served in the Pacific Theatre on the USS Comet. After his honorable discharge in 1946, he returned to Lisbon, ND, and enrolled at the Agricultural College (NDSU) where he received a degree in Agricultural Engineering. While at NDSU, he met his future wife, Marjorie Nelson. They were married in October of 1949.

Virgil then began his career in sales and marketing with J.I. Case Company. His career led them through North Dakota, Colorado, Utah and California, before settling back to Moorhead. After retiring from Case Co., Virgil worked for Red River Commodities developing a sales program. He then worked for Crop Hail Management. However, he continued a connection with Case by giving tours at the tractor plant in Fargo for several years.

In addition to a successful career in agriculture, Virgil became interested in the Masonic Shriners due to their philanthropical work with children’s hospitals. Virgil and Marjorie decided to make it a primary focus in their life. Virgil rose to the level of Potentate of El Zagal Shrine in 1994, and after that term, he continued to remain active with the Masonic Lodge and all Shrine activities.

Virgil and Marj took many trips to see what the world had to offer and saw many wonderful and interesting places. They spent their summers at Big Pine Lake which were always very busy and enjoyable- keeping an open door for any family or friends that would come their way.

Virgil is survived by his loving wife, Marjorie; children, Mark (LaVonne) Froemke, Mary Jean (Paula Hull) Froemke, and Michael (Aimee) Froemke; grandchildren, August (Maria), Elspeth (Jose) Gil, Moira, Katie, Ryan, and Anna; great-grandchild, Hayden; sister, Shirley Ulmer; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, August and Frieda; siblings, Willis, Eldon, RDell, and Dorothy; grandsons, Dameon and Jonathon; and daughter-in-law, Cathleen.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 27, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., followed by a prayer service at 4 p.m., in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral will be Monday, October 28, at 1:30 p.m., in The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.