Virgil Ronken

Virgil Ronken, age 85 of Westby, WI died Tuesday, February 6, 2007 Virgil Ronken, age 85 of Westby, WI died Tuesday, February 6, 2007 at Vernon Memorial Hospital in Viroqua. He was born July 14, 1921 in the Town of Hamburg, Vernon County, WI to Selmer and Olga (Role) Ronken. As a young man Virgil worked on farms in the area and worked at a local bakery. In January of 1942 he enlisted in the Army and served during WWII until 1945. When he was discharged he moved to Chicago and worked several jobs, but enjoyed his work at a restaurant in the Chicago Loop. He returned to Westby to become manager of the Westby Caf from 1947 to 1950. On November 5, 1949 Virgil married Betty Willis in the Westby Coon Prairie Parsonage. After his WWII service, he had signed up with the Army Reserves and was recalled to serve during the Korean War. He was sent to Tacoma, WA as a medic. After three weeks he was sent back to Battle Creek, MI to serve as a medic in Percy Jones Army Hospital. After serving about a year, he was discharged and began work at the Kellogg Company. About this time he became interested in the hobby of buying and refinishing antique furniture, which lead to an increased enjoyment of antique cars. During the time he spent in Michigan, Virgil graduated with a Bachelors degree in History from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo. After 42 years in Michigan and with the children grown, Virgils dream of moving back to Westby was fulfilled. Survivors include his wife, Betty of Westby; his sister, Fern of Redford, MI; daughter, Cynthia (Mike) Powell of Battle Creek, MI; three sons: David (Napa) of Las Vegas, NV; Daniel (Carol) of Lima, OH; and Paul (Becky) of Three Rivers, MI. His is further survived by his grandchildren by birth and by marriage: Heather (Andrew) Leet of Grand Rapids, MI; Darrin of Lima, OH; Shelby Hartman of Three Rivers, MI; Paeng and Song Maneeraj of Las Vegas, NV; Rob Hunt of Lansdale, PA; and Jeff Hunt of Farmington Hills, MI; and his Great-Grandchildren: Alexis Nicole and Andrew J.P. Leet of Grand Rapids, MI. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 9, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 South Hwy 14 in Westby. Pastor Julie Wollman will officiate. Friends may call on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.