Virgil Phillip Wenker

Virgil Phillip Wenker was born on February 6, 1936, in Madison MN, to Stephen and Lucy (Kockelman) Wenker. He served in the U.S Army in 1958. On November 12, 1958, he was united in marriage to Josephine Nuy at St Eloi church in Ghent. They lived in Ghent for 58 years. Virgil worked for Appleton Silos, Moberg Trucking, McLaughlin & Schulz, and Diamond Ice. Virgil and Josephine owned and operated the Lighthouse on Lake Shaokatan. Virgil also worked at West Side School. Virgil enjoyed hunting, fishing, gambling, playing cards and spending time at the lake with family and friends. He also enjoyed being at the farmer’s market and will be remembered for his famous blood sausage and barbeque sauce. Virgil died on Monday, February 19, 2018, at his residence in Marshall, after a long, four year battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, Josephine of Marshall; children Rhonda Verkinderen (and Bob) of Marshall, Kenneth Wenker (and Barb DeVlaeminck) of Alexandria, Christine Carl (and Walter) of Ghent, Sandie Polfliet (and Mike) of Ghent, and Jeff Wenker (and Sharon Kraft) of Marshall; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; sister Donna (and Art) Matthys of Marshall, Marie (and Don) Anderson of Ames, IA, Darlene (and Joe) Hamilton of Oregon; and sister-in-law Linda Wenker. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Shirley and brother Duane.