Virgil J McClelland Obituary (1932 - 2018)

Virgil J. McClelland, age 86, of Menomonie, WI died Friday, May 11, 2018 at the American Lutheran Home in Menomonie. He was born April 21, 1932 in the Town of Dunn, Dunn County, WI to Floyd and Ellen (Erickson) McClelland. Virgil served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954. He was a Gunners Mate 1st Class for 18 months on the Aircraft Carrier Philippine Sea CVA47 off the coast of Korea … which was the first aircraft carrier into the Korean Wars when it started and first to leave when it ended and made three trips. On August 25, 1953, Virgil married Kate in Menomonie. They would have celebrated 65 years of marriage this August. After 21 years, Virgil retired from 3M in Menomonie. Virgil was a gifted Scandinavian woodcarver and has many of his carvings all over the world. He earned gold medals in Scandinavian Woodcarving and Scandinavian Knife Sheath making. Virgil was an extremely kind and caring person and a great guy. Kate thanks God for all the years Virgil was in her life. He was loved for sure, and was the best husband ever. Virgil is survived by his wife Kate; daughter Deb (Tim) Christenson; grandchildren, Chris McClelland (Kaydi), Mike McClelland, Erik Christenson and Annelise (Kyle) Reiter; great-grandchildren, Alayna, Elliott, Edison, Pierce and Jude; a brother Jim (Jean) McClelland. He is also survived by several nieces, other relatives and many close friends. He was preceded in death by his son David; brothers, Alvin, Maynard and Don; and sister Betty Lee. Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie. There will be visitation at the funeral home one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie with military honors by Menomonie Veterans Honor Guard.