Virgil Dale Linn

LINN, Virgil Dale – of Burton, MI, age 75, passed away Thursday, October 9, 2025. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment, with Military Honors, 1:30 PM Monday, October 27, 2025 at Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly, MI 48442. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society of Genesee County, in Virgil's memory.
Virgil was born in Flint, MI on October 15, 1949, son of the late Earl and Cecelia (Sirens) Linn. A 1968 graduate of Flint Southwestern High School, Virgil answered the call to serve his country and joined the U.S. Army in 1969. During the Vietnam War, he worked as a heavy vehicle truck driver - a role that reflected his steady nature. He served honorably until 1971, returning home with a veteran's heart and a quiet pride. On October 15, 1988, Virgil married the love of his life, Sandra Lee Shutz. Together, they shared a bond rooted in love, partnership and shared laughter. Virgil dedicated 30 years to the City of Burton Water Department, where his work ethic and reliability made a lasting impact. He also served as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Burton for 15 years, bravely responding when his community needed him most. Even in retirement, Virgil continued to give back - driving a school bus for Bentley Community Schools and becoming a familiar, trusted face to generations of students. Family meant everything to Virgil. He was an uncle to many nieces and nephews, always offering a helping hand or a warm smile. He shared a special bond with his son, Michael, often found riding Can-Am motorcycles, carving out unforgettable moments on the open road. As a grandfather, he brought joy to the simplest moments - from adventures in the outdoors to lawn mower rides that became treasured memories. Virgil also loved family bowling nights at local bowling alleys, where strikes and spares came second to the laughter and connection he cherished so deeply. Virgil had a love for the land and took great pride in his yard, where every blade of grass had its place. He enjoyed traveling, playing cards (especially Poker and Euchre), and the kind of conversations that only happen when you're around a table with family or old friends. His legacy speaks through the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the countless ways he showed up for others without ever asking for anything in return. Virgil's life was a life well lived - full of purpose, love and integrity. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who loved him.
Virgil is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sandra Lee Linn; 3 children, Wendy (Jeff) Zarza, Guy (Maureen) Trstenjak and Mike (Lori) Trstenjak; "Papa" to 3 grandchildren, Domenic Zarza, Ian Trstenjak and Katelyn Trstenjak; 4 siblings, Robert (Sandra) Linn, Della (Bob) Harris, Eugene (Cheryl) Linn and Allen (Annita) Linn; 4 fur babies, Max, Vader, Scotch and Kiwi; many other loving family members and good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Cecelia Linn; son, Edmund Trstenjak, Jr.; 3 siblings, Shirley Linn, Donald (Chris) Linn and Rose Mary Linn; half-sister, Luella (Richard) Hoiland; 2 half-brothers, Marvin (Barbara) Stewart and James (Aretha) Stewart; 2 fur babies, Teddy and Sadi Lou.
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