died Friday (Nov. 15, 2013) at the Fremont Area Medical Center.
Virgil was born September 9, 1922 to John and Elsie 'Giesselmann' Greunke in Randolph, Nebraska. He attended rural school district 46 there, graduating from the 8th grade. Virgil worked on the family farm before joining the Navy.
During the WW II years of 1943 1946, Virgil served in the United States Navy. He saw duty in the south pacific, and was the recipient of the following medals: Victory Medal, American Area Medal, and the Asiatic Pacific Medal w/4 Stars.
Following his military service, Virgil worked in Fremont at Hormel's from 1947 to 1960. Then he moved to San Louis Obispo, Calif. and worked at the Vandenberg Air Force Base. During the years of 1962 and '63, Virgil worked at the Rocky Mountain Flats near Denver, Colorado. Then he moved to Santa Maria, Calif. to again work at the Vandenberg Air Force Base. He worked in Nebraska for the Schuyler Pack in Schuyler, Nebraska from 1967 to 1969. In 1969, Virgil began working for Lockheed in Sunny Vale, Calif. He retired in December of 1981, and the following June, they moved to Fremont.
Virgil was a member of VFW Post 854 of Fremont.
On May 2, 1981, Virgil was married in Reno, Nevada to Esther (Burgan) Ferguson.
Survivors: wife Esther
3 daughters Patricia and husband Jack Knoell of Fremont
Jane and husband David Lowrey of Portland, Oregon
Barbara and husband Robert Degli Esposti of Fremont
3 sons Douglas Greunke of Fremont
Dean and wife Janice Greunke of Campbell, Calif.
Gary Greunke of Willis, Calif.
3 step-daughters Sandra and husband Robert Nielsen of Fremont
Debora and husband Steven Huls of Fremont
Terri Behl of Lincoln
9 grandchildren
7 step-grandchildren
2 great grandchildren
5 step-great grandchildren
sister Esther Hansen of Wayne
Virgil was preceded in death by an infant daughter, and a brother Raymond Greunke.
There will be private family services at the Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont with the Military Committal Service in Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the charity of the donor's choice and to The Presbyterian Church of Fremont.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(1)
Chuck & Connie Montgomery
Fremont, NE Monday, November 18, 2013 Pat & Jack,So sorry to hear about the passing of Pat's dad. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and all the family. May God Bless you with a peace that only can come from your heavenly father.