Obituary: Virginia Wolden

Funeral Services

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM (Mountain).

American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Visitation

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, South Dakota.

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In memory of

Virginia Wolden

of Rapid City, formerly of Philip, South Dakota, died on Sunday, June 11, 2017 at her daughter's house, peacefully with her family at her side at the age of 89

Virginia Atkinson Smith Wolden passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday June 11. 2017. Virginia was born to James C. and Elizabeth Smith on July 29, 1927 in Raleigh, NC. Virginia was graduated from Cary High School, Cary, NC and went on to work at Camp Butner during WWII, providing accounting and payroll services which paid the German POW’s for their work when they were housed there. She saved her war bonds and used them to attend North Carolina Beauty College and was graduated in 1946. She was an active volunteer with the armed services U.S.O. clubs and her love of dance made her a desired dance partner for the servicemen.

She married M.C. Johnson and to this union, 3 children were born, Janet, George, and Michael. On January 30, 1952 Virginia married Arnold Wolden at the First Lutheran Church in Philip SD, where he was a charter member. To this union 5 children were born Gene, Linda, Roger, Mark and Terry.

Virginia was an active member in the First Lutheran Church assisting with Sunday School Classes, Bible Studies and Rebeccah Circle but always ready to volunteer to assist with services. Virginia was a Spirit of Dakota Award nominee for her family and community contributions.

Virginia never really decided one mission or career. She initially continued her career as a cosmetologist in Philip for many years and owned and operated “The Personal Touch” salon. She also became a C.N.A. and worked at the Hans P. Peterson Hospital off and on for over 40 years, her last employment with them ended at age 84 after providing services at the Silver Leaf Assisted Living.

Virginia’s talents for cooking, baking, gardening and sewing/needle work was passed on to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Since Arnold was a 100% Norwegian, Virginia became a Norwegian cook to supplement the southern cuisine she learned from her mother. For her family and friends, she cooked lots of potatoes and meat and sweets but the crowning glory was baking Lefse`, using Arnold’s mother, Johanna’s recipe. It was a hit and became another part time job every fall when up to 100 pounds of potatoes were made into Lefse` and sold at craft fairs. Arnold’s love of his mother’s sour cream raisin pie became a family tradition when Virginia perfected it and a coveted prize for those who learned to make it and have it at their whim.

Virginia’s wood-working passion developed into another venture with Janet, her oldest daughter, who was also passionate about the restoration of antiques. Virginia purchased a wood finish company, Patina, and marketed the products via the internet, craft sales and word of mouth to a host of satisfied customers.

The love of dance remained a lifelong passion and upon semi-retirement, Arnold and Virginia took dance classes and attended dances throughout the local area.

Virginia was a grandmother to 20, great grandmother to 24 and great, great grandmother to 2, a loyal friend to many, and an esteemed co-worker.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband: Arnold, parents, sister Rachel, sisters in law: Jeanette Smith, Mabel Kiel, Alice Hanson-Strand, Agnes Fickbohm, Helga Warrington, Julia Brooks, and Junis Wolden, brothers in law: Sam and Oliver Wolden, Louis Woodall, children: Janet (Craven), George Johnson and Mark Wolden, great granddaughters: Tessa Brenner, Logan and Emma Claypool.

Virginia’s generous graciousness, forgiveness and open arms leave a lasting legacy for all those who were privileged to have known her.

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor David Piper officiating.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

VISITATION
6-8 p.m.
Wednesday, June 14, 2017
Rush Funeral Home
Philip, South Dakota

FUNERAL SERVICES
Thursday, June 15, 2017 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor David Piper
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Deb Smith - Vocalist
“On Eagle’s Wings”
Congregational Hymns
“Amazing Grace”
“Onward Christian Soldiers”
USHERS
Mike Brooks - James Hoag
PALLBEARERS
Patrick Craven - Michael Johnson - Casey Johnson
Jamie Johnson - Cory Wolden - Blaine Wolden
Dustin Wolden - Mark Osborn - Eric Wiedenman
Todd Wolden - Trevor Wolden - Jered Martin
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Michelle Brenner - Brita Long - Naco See
Heather Claypool - Bridget Duran - Jana Mead
Kit Wolden Stadig - Elizabeth Wolden
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

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So sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Virgina during my childhood days growing up in Philip. She was a loving person. ~ Phillis (Hajek) Neal 1520 Red Oak Cove, Schertz TX (6/20/2017)
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all during this difficult time. ~ Aletha Maki Rapid City SD (6/15/2017)
We are sorry to hear of Virginia's passing. Prays for your family. ~ Gary Bonefield Family 1990 Williams, Sturgis, SD 57785 (6/15/2017)
I am sorry to hear of Virginia's passing! I remember her feeding me fried okra for the first time when I worked for them, love it to this day! She was a good person as well as a great cook and she will be missed! ~ Joe Millage Philip, S.D. (6/15/2017)
What a dynamic woman Linda. She was positive, cheerful and a smile for everyone when I saw her at church over the years. What a blessing she was for your family. Many prayers to all. ~ Kay Foland Rapid City (6/14/2017)
Sorry to learn of Virginia's passing. She was a very talented lady. May the love of family and friends help comfort you in the days ahead. ~ Dave & Karen Webb Rapid City, SD (6/13/2017)
I am so sorry to here about Virgina. I just loved your mom Linda and what a trooper she was. Loved by all and such a caring person. ~ Lana and Jim Elshere Milesville, SD (6/13/2017)
Virginia was a beautiful lady inside and out. We will miss her. I know James was very thankful to sit and visit with her a few weeks ago. She will be missed greatly and remembered fondly. Prayers to the family. ~ James & Cindy Hoag Black Hawk, SD (6/13/2017)
Our love and thoughts are with each of you. We will certainly miss Aunt Virginia. ~ Lisa and Carl Howard Jacksonville NC (6/12/2017)
Deepest sympathy to Virginia's family. She was a very good friend to me and my mom, she was a one of a kind. She would cut my hair I would cut hers also would help her out when ever I could.. She will be doing hair up in heaven it was in her blood! Will miss our friendship will see you again. LY ~ Bonnie Moses Nebraska (6/12/2017)