James Virnig

James Virnig, 88 year old resident of Pierz, Died Saturday, March 22 at Horizon Health in Pierz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, March 27 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church with Father Aaron Nett officiating. Visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. on Wednesday, March 26 and from 9:00 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. on Thursday, March 27 all visitation times will be held at Emblom Brenny Funeral Service in Pierz, MN. The burial will be held in the parish cemetery. The Knights of Columbus will Pray the Office of the Dead at 7:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Holy Trinity Catholic Schools.

James Virnig was born on January 13, 1937 in Pierz to the late Werner and Marie (Jinderlee) Virnig. He grew up in Pierz with his siblings, Pat, Betty, Mary and Jerome. Jim graduated from Father Pierz High School with the class of 1955. James hauled milk for a short time. He was united in marriage to Loura Koering on August 24, 1959 at St. Mathias Catholic Church. The couple made their home South of Pierz for a short time. In 1966, they moved to the Virnig home farm in Buh Township. Jim enjoyed attending tractor pulls with his "4010 John Deere", bowling in men's league, deer hunting in Montana, moose hunting in Alaska, playing softball and snowmobiling. He served on the Morrison County Fair Board and the local creamery board. Jim attended St. Joseph's Catholic Church, where he ushered for many years. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Loura Virnig of Pierz; children, Carol (Lon) Schirmers-Johnson of Little Falls, Kathy (Jim) Waldrop of Emily, Tony (Lydia) Virnig of Fairbanks, AK, Lisa (LeRoy) Przybilla of Rice, Mark Virnig of Pierz, Kevin (Rose) Virnig of Pierz, Nancy Rinkel of Oak Park and Jeff Virnig of St. Cloud; 19 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; siblings, Pat (Jim) Kroll of Wahkon, Betty Zegarelli of New York, Mary Dubow of Minneapolis and a sister-in-law, Betty (Gene) Erkens of Pierz.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cindy Virnig August 9, 1978; grandson, Jacob Virnig September 18, 2006; brother, Jerome Virnig, and a brother-in-law, Joe Zegarelli.

Emblom Brenny Funeral Service is Cherishing the Memory of James.