Andrew P. "Andy" Virden, 83

Waite Park

November 19, 1927 ~ March 11, 2011

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2011 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Waite Park for Andrew P. "Andy" Virden, age 83 of Waite Park who died Friday, March 11, 2011 in Waite Park. Reverend Vincent Lieser will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery in Waite Park.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud and after 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Knights of Columbus Bishop Zardetti Council #5548 at 6:00 p.m., the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Assembly will stand honor guard from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home in St. Cloud.

Andy was born on November 19, 1927 in Waite Park, Minnesota to Andrew D. and Clara M. (Imdieke) Virden. He was a 1946 graduate of St. Cloud Technical High School and a 1950 graduate of St. Cloud State University. Andy was employed in sales for four years prior to owning and operating Virden's Vending and Concession that was headquartered in the downtown St. Cloud Post Office lobby and was under the State of Minnesota Business Enterprises for the Blind. He retired on January 10, 1994.

Andy was a member of the National Federation of the Blind, Past President of the Central Minnesota Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. He also served on the Board and was a life member of the Blind Merchants Division, National Federation of the Blind of Central Minnesota. Andy was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #622, former President and member of the Waite Park Booster Club; he was a past President and held various other offices on the Waite Park Spass Tag Committee and was Grand Marshall in 1981. He was active in DFL politics and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Dinner in St. Cloud. Andy was the Grand Marshall of the Wings, Wheels and Water Festival in 1986. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Zardetti Council #5548, which he held various offices, and a member of Kappa Delta Phi at St. Cloud State University, St. Joseph's Parish, Nocturnal Adoration Society, Choir, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Assembly #530, and RSVP where served on the board for six years.

Andy is survived by his sister-in-law, Marce Virden of St. Cloud; and many nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Helen Catherine; brothers, Alfred, Joseph and Ralph.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Cloud Times on Mar. 16, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Andrew Virden

13 Entries

March 19, 2011

Memroies of you Andy will always be in Waite Park and the area for your goodness and your happy "HELLO'S" Some place in Waite Park should bear your name in remembrance of your wonderful volunteer service all those years. Never will forget our phone conversations over the years. Rest well dear friend. Shirley Dickison

Margo Sanders-Wagner

March 19, 2011

The entire St Cloud and Waite Park area is in shock that we lost you dear dear man. It will never be the same as you were someone we looked to see around as we have seen you all of our lives, you should still be here. Our loss runs deep in our hearts. How many times we saw you at the fund raiser speghetti dinner for the blind. Or at the Whitney Senior Center. Or standing on a corner waiting for a bus. Selling candy and papers at the Post Office. You touched so many lives with your kindness and easy ways. We will miss your leadership. Now you can "watch over us" with your new eyes of the world in color you did see for so long. Your exuberant singing will be missed when Jack comes to Sterling to play for the residents.
I admired the way you knew my voice when I would talk to you you'd call me by name just after the first time I met you ! Oh! so many memories. Rest in Peace dear man. Margo Sanders Wagner

cindy kissner

March 18, 2011

Andy you will be missed ,every time went to post office,happy go lucky person,very friendly.

Greg James

March 17, 2011

I have lived in the same neighborhood as Andy for over 20 years. Over the years I had the opportunity to chat with Andy at the store, or on one of Andy's walks through the neighborhood. I knew Andy as a warm and friendly man. I always enjoyed the chats we shared. Andy was a fixture in the neighborhood and seeing Andy's familiar face on one of his walks was common. Although I didn't know Andy as well as many others, I feel my life is richer for having known him at all. The neighborhood definitely won't be the same without Andy's smiling face. You will be missed Andy.

Jeanette (Prow)Goeb

March 17, 2011

You will always live in our hearts and prayers.

March 17, 2011

Andy was a good friend since we were very young rest in peace Andy Vern and Delores Curtis Waite Park and Mesa Arizona

David Wehlage

March 16, 2011

As a kid I remember going to the post office and always had to stop and get something from Andy. It's beautiful how he surpassed his lack of physical sight with a heart that could see right into people. He's a St Cloud Institution that will be missed.

Judy Moening

March 16, 2011

Andy was truly a great advocate for people with disabilities. He always had great suggestions and worked tirelessly for the Federation of the Blind. He will be truly missed.

Diane (Wolff) Pieper

March 16, 2011

I was a kid who grew up in Waite Park and everyone knew Andy. A man we could all hope to be more like. Thanks for being such a thoughtful inspiring human being.

March 16, 2011

Andy was a great man & cousin. Remember the great times & the fish fry we joined him on Friday nights at the Legion.' Robert & Edna Kirchner ( Elrosa Mn. & Tucson Az.)

March 16, 2011

Andy was my brother Bobby Albrecht's best friend for a life time. Many times they traveled to to the National Federation of the Blind conventions and attending meeting together. Andy was on the telephone speed dial of his phone, they talked often. Now they are together again. Elaine

Bonnie Klitzke

March 16, 2011

Andy was an incredible man. Never failing to be cheerful and always friendly and kind. He was a great man and my life is blessed from having known him. He never complained and always reached out to others. My deepest sympathies to his family. Bonnie Klitzke

Rev. Leroy Kieke

March 16, 2011

A great man who will be forever missed. May God bless & let him now rest in peace.

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