Virgil Arthur

June 28, 1916 - April 3, 2015

Virgil John Arthur, 98, of Spirit Lake, Iowa, passed away on April 3, 2015. He was born in Center Grove Township, Dickinson County, to the late Jack and Sadie Arthur. Virgil graduated from Spirit Lake High School. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Virgil enjoyed many activities including golfing, bowling, fishing and hunting. In addition Virgil fulfilled his pastime training trial dogs, judging dog trials and playing cards. He had a great passion for animals and especially valued time with his family. 1SG Virgil Arthur served the United States Army in the Asiatic Pacific Theater from May 1943-November 1945. Virgil saw combat in New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon. He was awarded Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. Virgil was a hard working and devoted employee. He owned a hatchery in Little Rock, IA, worked for Cook's Hatchery and retired from McQuay's in Spirit Lake, in 1981. Virgil also served as a Mason in Spirit Lake. Virgil was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Della Arthur; grandson, Trent Peck; and his two siblings, Claudia (Sis) Sullivan and Bill Arthur. Virgil is survived by his three daughters, Susan Honley and husband, Ed of Sioux Falls, SD, Sally Hoffman and husband, Bob of Sun City Center, FL, and Shelley Namtvedt and husband, Mark of Victoria, MN. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Tracy and Steve Neuman, Kalia, Trent, and Kai Gefroh of Ft. Collins, CO; Christine and Randy Saunders, Derek and Kaitlyn of Littleton, CO; Andrea and Jay Wange, Mackenzie and Teegan of Sioux Falls, SD; Macy Mucciacciaro and husband Geno, Cruz and Milan of Chaska, MN; Tyler Namtvedt of Coon Rapids, MN; Charity Walls, Bryce and Dylan of Chaska, MN; and Bailey Namtvedt of Hopkins, MN. Virgil is survived by his 2 nephews: Denny Arthur and Michael Arthur of Urbandale, IA; and niece Glennys Ventura of Hemet, CA. A memorial service will be held at 1:00P.M. Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Schuchert-Lentz Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Humane Society.