Virgil M. Brodt, age 94, of Fennimore, WI passed away surrounded by his family on Thursday morning September 16, 2021, at Divine Rehabilitation and Nursing Home in Fennimore. Virgil was born March 11, 1927, in Bagley, WI, the son of Orville and Ruby (Champion) Brodt.
Virgil enlisted in the US Navy in 1945. He served in WW II in the Philippine Islands and the McManus Islands of the Admiralty Group by New Guinea. He was discharged in 1946. He graduated from Fennimore High School in 1947.
Virgil married the love of his life, Marilyn Place, on November 24, 1950, at the Fennimore United Methodist Church. Virgil was employed at Fennimore Co-op Creamery, John Deere in Dubuque, Dubuque Pack, until furthering his education by attending X.Y. Stromberg Carlson trade school in Rochester, NY in 1961. He then attended the United States Telephone Association Management School at the University of Kansas followed by the Supervisory Management School at the University of Wisconsin in 1979. Starting at the bottom, and through his hard work and dedication, Virgil managed the Fennimore Telephone Company from 1969 until his retirement.
Virgil believed in donating his time to his community. He served various positions within the Fennimore Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years, the Fennimore Rescue Squad, Chamber of Commerce, Lion’s Club, Grant County Rescue Squad, City Council, the Fennimore Area Health Service Board of Directors, and the Fennimore American Legion. He believed in demonstrating his strong faith and was an active member of the Fennimore United Methodist Church, the Christian Fellowship Group, and loved singing with the Praise Choir.
Virgil loved having family get togethers, coffee each morning with the guys, playing cards with friends, and going dancing. He cherished the many memories cheering on his grandchildren in all their endeavors and was excited for the arrival of each great-grandchild.
Virgil is survived by his loving wife Marilyn of 70 years, three children: Nancy (Robert) Dudei of Pickerel, Debbie (Joe) Fuerstenberg of Fennimore, Jim Brodt of Bagley, six grandchildren: Kristen (Travis) Mills of Wrightstown, Nicole (Dan) Romanek of Port Washington, Jamie (Jim) Birchman of Fennimore, Josh (Ashley) Fuerstenberg of Fennimore, Jim (Emily) Feldhacker of Asbury, IA, Joel (Yana) Feldhacker of Manitowoc, 14 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-laws: Carole Johnson of Stitzer, Robert (Shirley) Place of Livingston, and brother-in-law: Paul Rector of Fennimore.
Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Dolores Rector and Ester Mae Brodt.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday September 21, 2021, at the Fennimore United Methodist Church with burial to follow at the Prairie Cemetery in Fennimore, with military honors. Visitation will be held from 4-7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 20, 2021, at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the church on Tuesday morning. Due to current health and safety for gatherings indoors, all attendees are asked to wear a mask and to follow social distancing guidelines.