Virgil John Halbur

In Loving Memory of

Virgil John Halbur

Virgil Halbur was born on December 28, 1929, on the family farm near Iona, Minnesota to William and Mary Testroet Halbur. He grew up there and attended St. Columba School in Iona. Following school Virgil worked on the family farm until he was drafted into the United States Army in September 1951. Virgil was stationed in Germany until his honorable discharge in September 1953, he then returned to Iona. That same year on November 16, 1953, he and Lucille Olthoff were married at St. Leo's Church in Pipestone, MN. In the spring of 1954, they started farming on a farm near Hadley, MN where they raised their five children, Gail, Cheryl, Douglas, Debra, and Gregg. Virgil retired in 1992 but they remained on the farm where Virgil assisted his two sons, Doug and Gregg, with their farming operations. In 1996 they built a new home in Slayton, although Virgil continued his trips out to the farm throughout his later years to help the boys and feed his beloved barn cats. On August 26, 2025, Virgil was admitted to the Murray County Medical Center under hospice care. He passed away there on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at the age of 95. He was a member of St. Ann's Church in Slayton serving on the finance council and as an usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, also the Slayton VFW Post 6322 where he served as commander for over 29 years. Virgil served on the Hadley Elevator Board for 15 years, the Cattleman's Association for 30 years and the Advisory Board of the Farm Credit System. Virgil enjoyed helping his sons on the farm, spending time with family and friends, playing cards, traveling, and the occasional casino trip. Virgil took great pride in watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and they became the light of his life in his later years.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille Halbur of Slayton, MN, three children and their spouses, Cheryl (Mike) Kellen of Parkers Prairie, MN, Douglas (Becky) Halbur of Hadley, MN, and Gregg (Denise) Halbur of Slayton, MN, two sons-in-law, Ricky Demmer of Ellendale, MN and Richard "Butch" Vierhuf of White, SD, 11 grandchildren, Amy (Caleb) Ostrander, Lisa Demmer (Kevin Krejci), Scott (Katie) Demmer, Joseph Kellen, Paul Kellen, Melissa (Ross) Kreun, Michelle (Brooks) Little, Bradley Halbur, Christopher (Brookelynn) Halbur, Daniel Halbur and Jonathon Halbur, 11 great-grandchildren, Isaac, Ethan, Liam, Khyson, Karson, Maddyn, Peyton, Jayde, Jaxton, Brinley, and Haddie, two step grandchildren, Kyle (Chelsie) Kreun and Wendy (Aaron) Kooiker, four step great-grandchildren, Ayden, Landon Vaeda and Emberly, two siblings, Ralph (Geraldine) Halbur of Pipestone, MN, and Donald (Kathy) Halbur of Hutchinson, MN, and several nieces and nephews and their families. He is preceded in death by his parents, daughters, Gail Demmer, and Debra Vierhuf, grandson, Seth Kellen, siblings, Esther Krause, Joan Diedrich, Dolores Ella, Paul and Marvin Halbur.

Funeral Services

St. Ann's Catholic Church Slayton, MN on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Antony Arokiyam officiating. The organist is Judy Andrews. The song leader is Paula Herrig. The pallbearers are his grandsons. Honorary pallbearers are his granddaughters. Interment is at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Slayton, MN. Military honors accorded by the Slayton American Legion Post and the Wilmont VFW Post.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at St. Ann's Church in Slayton from 4-7 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Murray County Hospice. Totzke Funeral Home of Slayton is entrusted with arrangements. To view online obituary and send condolences visit totzkefuneralhome.com