Virgil Rosonke

Virgil Felix, son of Leo and Mary (Reiling) Rosonke was born November 20, 1936, south of Carroll, Iowa. Virgil attended school at Mt. Carmel and was the president of the class of 1954. He then worked for various farmers, and the Breda Telephone Company.

In February of 1956, Virgil enlisted with the U.S. Army. He was trained in electrical repair and served 18 months with the 34th Signal Battalion VII Corps in Stuttgart, Germany. Upon his return to Iowa in December of 1957, he started farming south of Manning.

On June 20, 1959, Virgil was united in marriage with Alvera Hoffman at Holy Angels Catholic Church in Roselle. Three sons and three daughters were born to this union.

Virgil was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Manning. Farming a half section of land of corn and soybeans, Virgil also raised cattle and hogs. During these farming years, he was a dealer for O's Gold Seed Corn, Latham Seed Beans, M&M Livestock Products, and Archer Oil Products, and worked at McMahons Feed and Seed. He also served as Carroll County NFO chairman for a time.

In 1980 the family moved into Manning. Virgil worked as a shift supervisor for Well's Manufacturing Company where he hired 120 employees. He then delivered propane gas for 12 years.

Virgil and Alvera, along with friends, enjoyed several trips to Branson, Missouri. They traveled to many memorable shows, their favorites being Danny O'Donnell, Vince Gill, Harvey Korman and Tim Conway.

Virgil enjoyed riding his recumbent bike in local parades and on various trails. He also enjoyed scroll sawing and selling his works of art at several craft shows. He loved playing euchre but was most known for telling jokes to everyone he met. What Virgil treasured most was his family - especially Christmas gatherings and singing Christmas carols around the tree.

On Thursday December 22, 2022, Virgil passed away, surrounded by family, at Manning Regional Healthcare Center in Manning, at the age of 86 years, 1 month and 2 days.

Virgil is survived by his wife Alvera Rosonke of Manning; six children; Karen (Wayne) Pickhinke of Early; Wayne (Kathy) Rosonke of Papillion, NE; Donna (Karl) Rutz of Manning; Dan Rosonke of Manning; Terry (Stacy) Rosonke of Norwalk; and Renee (Bill) Frankman of Papillion, NE; Grandchildren; Rachel (Jon) Zinanti; Camille Pickhinke; Weston (Amelia) Pickhinke; Lindsay (Tim) Sullivan; Ashley (Jory) Daniels; Tyler (Maddie) Rosonke; Elissa (Joe) Riesberg; Aaron Rutz; Brandi Rosonke; Brianna Rosonke; Nick Rosonke; Drew Rosonke; BJ Frankman; Nate Frankman and fiancée Bre Allen; Kristen Frankman; Kaleb Frankman; Great-grandchildren: Harrison, Hannah, Paige, Norah, Grace, Baby Daniels, Brooklyn, Ryan, Bennett, and Berkli; his siblings: Dolores (Elmer) Herbers and Sr. Rose Zita Rosonke OLVM; Alvera's siblings: Edward (Lorraine) Hoffman, Adella (John) Vogl, Laura Ann Danner; her brother-in-law LaVern Langel; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Br. Paul Rosonke CSC and Leon Rosonke; an infant granddaughter Grace Rosonke; and Alvera's parents and siblings: Andrew and Laura Hoffman, Louetta Langel, Velma Hoffman, and Rosie Sturm; and her brother-in-law Dennis Danner.

A Graveside Funeral Service was held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Manning, Iowa with Reverend Shinoj Jose, Officiating.

Casket Bearers were Weston Pickhinke, Tyler Rosonke, Aaron Rutz, Brandi Rosonke, Nick Rosonke and BJ Frankman.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Virgil’s Grandchildren & Great-grandchildren.