Virgil E. Shroyer

EMILY - Virgil Ernest Shroyer, 87, of Emily, died Saturday, July 18, 2009, at the Cuyuna Regional Care Center in Crosby after a valiant battle with cancer with his family at his side.

He was born on July 3, 1922, in Superior, Wis., to Jehu Sylvester and Ruby Ellen (Clemmer) Shroyer. Virgil married Muriel June Hansen on June 9, 1951, in St. Paul. He was a considerate and loving husband for 58 years. He was a proud first lieutenant of the U.S. Marines, serving in WWII. He was a graduate of Crosby/Ironton Community College with an A.A. He also attended the University of Notre Dame and University of Minnesota where he graduated with a B.A. in education in 1947. He then received his M.A. from the university in 1951, and a specialist of education degree in 1955. Virgil retired from his career as an administrator with the Richfield Public Schools in 1984. Virgil was a man of strong faith and integrity who was exceptionally devoted to his family. A good listener, he loved talking to people and went out of his way to help neighbors and friends. A highly educated man, Virgil was a lifelong learner who continued to share his knowledge. He was an active member of St. Emily's Catholic Church, St. Emily's Church Choir and Cursillo Community. He was also a member of Countryside Art Club and the Lakers Lions Club. Virgil also has been a hospice volunteer for seven years. He is survived by his wife Muriel; his children; Tom (Nan Sorensen) Shroyer, Sue Shroyer, Ann (John) Lee, Mary (Rudy) Rudnicki, Patty (Jim) Sullivan and John (Karrie) Shroyer; his grandchildren, Erick, Cate, Jens, Peter, Elizabeth, Britta, Cheryl, Jack, Joey, Jenny, Kelly and Jackie. He is preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Paul Shroyer; niece, Marlisa Nelson; and brothers-in-law, Robert Hansen and Nels Nelson. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 9901 E. Bloomington Freeway, Bloomington. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, with military honors. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the church. Arrangements are with Koop Funeral Home, Crosby. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society, Catholic Relief or St. Emily's Catholic Church, Emily.