Virginia “Angel” Weckwert Olson Died Oct. 26, 2016

Virginia “Angel” Weckwert Olson

Died Oct. 26, 2016

LELAND - Virginia Mae Woodtle Weckwert Olson, 94, of Leland, passed away peacefully into the hands of the Lord on October 26, 2016.

Virginia was born on April 13, 1922 in Burlington, IA, the daughter of Henry and Martha Woodtle, who emmigrated from Switzerland to the US in 1920 and 1921.  She grew up in St. Louis, MO where, as a child and teenager, she helped her parents and siblings tend a two-acre fruit and vegetable garden that served local grocery stores.  Because Henry was a blacksmith for the railroad, the family took train trips to visit relatives in Canada.  Virginia graduated from high school and in 1940 attended the St. Louis School of Dress Design.  She was an excellent pattern maker and seamstress, and made beautiful clothes for her children.

In the early years of WWI, Virginia became a key-punch operator for IBM.  In 1943, she wed Karl Weckwert, who had recently become a Missouri Synod Lutheran minister.  Virginia and Karl raised five children.  Karl’s nickname for Virginia was “Angel.”  Virginia supported Karl in his ministry as he was called to serve in Carthage, MO, York, PA, Nunica, MI and finally Leland, Good Harbor, and Glen Arbor, MI - until he retired in 1978.  From 1972 to 1985, Virginia worked for the State of Michigan as a social services case manager, primarily for Native Americans and migrant farm workers.

At age 79, Virginia married Bert T. Olson of Empire, MI, a long-time family friend.  She and Bert had ten happy years together as they lived on Little Glen Lake, traveled overseas, and spent their winters in Tucson.

A devout Lutheran, Virginia enjoyed attending church every Sunday.  Even in her last years, she knew much of the service by heart.  Virginia was a talented artist.  Her primary medium was china painting.  She painted beautiful flowers, birds, fish and many other subjects.  Her children and grandchildren cherish the pieces of art that Virginia gave to them over the years.  She also drew and sold pen & ink note cards of Fishtown; her art was used for placemats at the Bluebird Restaurant.  Many cottages in and around Leland still have her classic framed placemat art on their walls.

Virginia’s family and friends describe her as warm, compassionate, patient, courageous, and determined.  She always had a ready smile and a great sense of humor.  She never complained or said a negative word about anyone.  She was indeed an angel on earth.

Virginia is survived by her children: Andre (Margot) Weckwert, Karla (Dave) Taylor, Judy Weckwert, and Heidi (Maude Babington) Weckwert; grandchildren Ryan (Zoe) Koonce, Justin (Kellie) Brindley-Koonce, Chad (Amy Jo) Koonce, Cara (Derek) Babin, Arika (Drew) Roelofs, Jennifer (Corey) Arnold, and Anna (Matt) Hogan.  She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren and her brother Henry (Dorothy) Woodtle.

Virginia was preceded in death by her son Eric (1955), her husband Karl (1989), her second husband Bert (2009), and her sister Bernice (2011).

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers from Munson Home Health and Hospice, and in particular to Debbie Zinger, RN.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 5^th at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located on M-22 at Townline (Good Harbor).   The service will be held at 2:00 p.m. preceded by visitation with family and friends at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2943 SW Manitou Trail, Cedar, MI 49621 where Virginia will be laid to rest next to Karl and Bernice.

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