Virginia A. Struve

Virginia “Ginny” Anne Struve, daughter of Andrew Raymond and Elizabeth Eleanor (Tritz) Lafferty, was born on January 21, 1933, in Le Mars, Iowa. She began her education in Le Mars at a parochial school before the family relocated to Long Beach, California, where her father managed an A & P Grocery Store. However, with the onset of World War II and concerns over safety following the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the family returned to Iowa, settling in Carroll.

Virginia graduated from St. Angela’s Academy in 1950 and pursued a career in nursing, completing her training at St. Anthony School of Nursing in 1953. During her school years, she enjoyed playing the violin.

Virginia met Roy Struve at the Starline Ballroom after he noticed her dedication while caring for his father at the hospital. Despite her focus on her work, Roy’s persistence paid off, and they married on November 27, 1954, at Saint Joseph Church in Carroll, Iowa, with Msgr. James Lafferty officiating.

The couple farmed south of Manning, raising four children together. Virginia was an integral part of their farming operation, managing office work while Roy sold SPF hogs across Iowa, Nebraska, and Missouri. They also raised commercial beef cattle, creating a bustling Iowa family farm that included horses, sheep, chickens, dogs, cats, turkeys, guinea hens, rabbits, and a large garden. The farm was a hub of activity, from 4-H projects to countless chores.

In 2000, Virginia and Roy retired from farming, sold their acreage, and moved into their new home in Manning. 

Virginia was a gifted artisan, particularly known for her mastery in quilting. Her creations were not just practical but works of art, each one crafted with precision, care, and a deep sense of creativity. She took immense pride in designing intricate patterns and stitching them together, often gifting her quilts to family and friends as cherished keepsakes. Her attention to detail and love for the craft made her quilts a testament to her talent and dedication. Beyond quilting, she also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, and knitting, but it was her quilting that truly stood out as a hallmark of her creative spirit. Alongside her artistic pursuits, Virginia loved traveling with Roy, embarking on bus and driving tours, including two memorable trips to Hawaii.

Virginia was a devoted member of the Little Flower Study Club, a lifetime member of CDA Our Lady of Fatima Court #1492, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and American Legion Auxiliary. She also served as a 4-H Clover Girls leader.

In her later years, Virginia moved to Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny, Iowa, where she passed away peacefully on December 4, 2024, at the age of 91 years, 10 months, and 14 days.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy; her parents; siblings Eleanor (Dick) Queenan, Jeanne (Ray) Walker, Sylvia (Ralph) Vance, Msgr. James Lafferty, Clayton (Beverly) Lafferty; and her sisters Kathlyn Rose and Anne Marie, both of whom died in infancy.

Virginia is survived by her four children: James Struve of Des Moines, IA; Carol Musfeldt (Doug) of Kansas City, MO; Jo Ann Hanselman (Doug) of Ankeny; and Richard Struve (Diane) of Gilbert, IA; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings Sr. Andre (Linda) Lafferty of Beaverton, OR, Sr. Nancy Lafferty of La Crosse, WI, and Judy Lafferty of Los Angeles, CA.

Instead of gifting flowers, the family kindly requests memorial contributions to Mill Pond Care Center in Ankeny.

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