VINTON: Virgil Victor Harry Schminke, age 81, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM, Monday, July 15, 2024 at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall, with Rev. Nick Palmer and Rev. Steven Rempfer officiating.  Interment with military rites will be held at St. John Cemetery, Newhall.  Visitation will be held from 3:00 until 6:00 PM, Sunday, July 14, also at the church.  A memorial fund has been established.

Virgil was born on August 29, 1942 at the family century farm in Eden Township, Benton County, the son of Roy and Martha (Bierschenk) Schminke.  He graduated from Newhall High School, and served in the United States Army Reserves in the medical group as a mechanic.  On September 2, 1962, he was united in marriage to Sharon Rohlena at St. John Lutheran Church in Newhall.

Virgil and Sharon farmed in the Newhall area and Virgil truly loved the farm.  He also drove semi for Westside for a number of years.  He also helped Sharon at her many craft shows and farmer's markets.  Virgil was an active member at St. John Lutheran Church, where he served on the finance board, and as an elder and trustee.  He was also a proud 4-H leader for over 20 years. Virgil loved attending his grandchildren's and later his great-grandchildren's events.  He was their greatest fan.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sharon; 3 children, Tammy (Jeffery) Rathje of Watkins, Teresa (Allan) Merchant of Vinton, Todd (Dawna) Schminke of Newhall; 8 grandchildren, Matthew (Johnna) Rathje, Trisha (Mitchell) Bunten, Joshua (Camela) Rathje, Jessica (Frankie) Dulin, Adam (Rayanna) Rathje, Chelsey Merchant (special friend Tyler) , Erica (Travis) Johnson, Robert (Taylor) Rathje; 14 great-grandchildren, Jace, Callan, Maddison, Reece, Zarra, Remi, Brihanna, Makinnley, Gustin, Senna, Rowan, Harlow, Coltyn, Kora; 3 brothers-in-law Neil Rohlena, Mearl "Sonny" Hagen, and Robert Van Scoy.

He was preceded in death by his parents; great-granddaughter, Elsie Dulin; brothers, Glenn, and Gerald Schminke; sisters, Velma Van Scoy, and Gladys Hagen; sisters-in-law, Lita, and Adah Schminke, and Karen Rohlena.

Online condolences:  www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com