Virginia Elias

Virginia Elias
VIRGINIA MARIE ELIAS, age 96 of Waseca died on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Lake Shore Inn in Waseca.
Born on November 21, 1921 in Pine Island, Minnesota, she was the daughter of Adolph and Bertha (Roseko) Andrist.  She grew up on a farm in the Pine Island area where she attended school at Pleasant Valley through the 8th grade.  She married Joseph E. Elias on January 9, 1943 in Lubbock, TX.  They traveled while Joe was in the service and following his discharge, settled in the Pine Island and Rochester area where they farmed.  She also raised a big family, mostly by herself while Joe was working in Thule, Greenland for 11 seasons.  Once her children were in school, Virginia worked at Reiters Grocery Store until moving to Waseca in July of 1967.
After moving to Waseca, Virginia continued to work as a wife and mother and worked part time at Wolfs Grocery Store in the produce department and checkout counter.  She also worked as a waitress at Powells restaurant and Maplewood Inn.  She later worked at Ben Franklin for several years until retiring in 1982.
While in Pine Island, she was an active member of St. Pauls Lutheran Church.  Following the move to Waseca, she transferred her membership to St. John Lutheran Church.   Virginia enjoyed bowling, knitting and crocheting, and reading.  She was a life member of the American Legion, VFW and Disabled American Vet Auxiliaries.
She is survived by her children, Joseph (Marietta) Andrist of Rochester, Sandra (Tom) Quick of Rochester, Susan (David) Cullip of Burnsville, Danny (Elaine) Elias of Tubac, AZ, David Elias and Barb Grotberg of Waseca, and Kim (May Ann) Elias of Waseca; 11grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, eight brothers, and one sister.
Visitation will be held at Dennis Funeral & Cremation Services in Waseca on Monday, January 8, 2018 from 4-7 PM and continue on Tuesday, one hour before services at the church. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 11:00 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in Waseca with Rev. John Omans officiating.  Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis.