Virgil Cole, 82, of Wild Rose, Wis., brother of Dick Cole of 210 W. Scott St., Eldridge, died Dec. 30. He was born Aug. 19, 1938.
Virgil was many good things. He was a dad, brother, husband and friend. He was patient, funny, easy-going, quiet and humble. His business was master bean counter. OK, he was a CPA, CFO, Mt. Morris treasurer but, who was he?
He loved to ski in Colorado, fish, raft the rivers, and go on bicycle trips. He loved the land and the wildlife. His woodworking skills provided his family with endless projects.
Together, he was Barb’s husband and partner of 20 years. They had wonderful adventures, met new people, learned how they lived, and discovered how lucky we are to have the life we have here in the U.S.
Virgil was brave. He climbed to the Sun Gate in Peru in the rain, faced down an angry elephant in Africa, climbed the red rocks in Utah, drove through dust storms, and down treacherous roads in the mountains. He was always there to take over when Barb was afraid. He never complained. He held her hand on slippery slopes and skinny bridges wherever they might be in the world.
Barb says, “He made me feel safe. He made me smile. I will miss him.”
Virgil did not want a service or sadness. So, please, smile when you think of him. Take a moment now and wish Virgil Cole happy travels.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; brother Richard (Shirley) Cole; sister Shirley (Phillip) Potts; children Mark Cole, Michael Cole, Leah Keifer, Daniel Cole; and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Wayne Cole Jr.
Leikness Funeral Home of Wautoma, Wis., was in charge of arrangements.
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