Virgil George Kellison

Virgil George Kellison

Cedar Rapids

Virgil George Kellison, 81, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Living Center West in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will greet friends from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Marion, where a Memorial Service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Certified Celebrant, Suzanne Seigel Renner officiating. Inurnment will follow at Shiloh Cemetery in Hiawatha, Iowa.

Virgil was born on June 17, 1943, in Waukon, Iowa, one of seven children born to Donald and Virginia (Beisker) Kellison. To his family, he was lovingly known as “Birdie”. Virgil was a 1961 graduate of Waukon High School, where he played football and was a part of a group called, “The Magnificent 7”. On November 30, 1968, Virgil was united in marriage to Margaret “Maggie” Irene Engbretson in Moline, Illinois. During his earlier years, he worked for Troy Laundry. Later, he became a forklift operator at Nash Finch, where his coworkers nicknamed him “Castro” and where Virgil remained for over 40 years, until his retirement in 2000. He was a member of St. Ambrose Lutheran Church.

His most enjoyable pastime was fishing. The family kept a cabin for several years at Horseshoe Lake in Richmond, Minnesota, where Virgil enjoyed his pontoon boat and fishing. He also enjoyed playing cards, especially Euchre. Virgil was a gourmet cook. He enjoyed having his family over on Sundays for a gourmet meal. He was known for his homemade pizza, oyster stew, ham and bean soup, homemade scalloped potatoes, and tuna burgers. Virgil loved having drinks with his family and friends and going to the bars. Spending time with family was the most important thing to him. Virgil will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Virgil is survived and lovingly remembered by his three sons, Michael (Lisa) Kellison of Marion, Donald (Karleen) Kellison of Appleton, Wisconsin, and Randy (Deb) Kellison of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Penny Marti of Waukon, Shelly (Clark) Goltz of Ossian, Iowa, Amanda (Dave) Wilson of Hayward, Wisconsin, and Kris (Kenny) Topel of Ossian.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 35 years, Maggie Kellison; grandson, Kyle Kellison; granddaughter, Mercedes “Sadie” Sprengel; a brother at infancy, Timothy Kellison; brother, Dale Kellison; and a host of extended family, including in-laws and cousins.

Memorials in Virgil’s memory may be directed to his family.

Please share a memory of Virgil at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.