Virgil Gryskiewicz, 76

Virgil was born June 15th, 1947 to Roman and Maryann (Lasniewski) in Thief River Falls, MN. He attended the Haug Leo school and graduated from Greenbush High School in 1965. He married his devoted wife, Patricia (Novotny) on December 8, 1973 in a memorable snow storm.

Virgil was fiercely devoted to his family and deeply committed to his community, serving as the township clerk for over 30 years, Knights of Colombus, and the Big Brother program. Any time he was out and about, someone would always walk up and shake his hand. He was a strong, hardworking, and generous man who was well-respected within the community. He wasn’t a loud man, but when he spoke, people listened.

He enjoyed raising cattle. Many said he fed his cattle too well, but that was just the kind of guy he was and the quality of crops he grew. He looked forward to hunting every year with his extended hunting family who he loved. He truly enjoyed being out in nature. He also enjoyed ice fishing on Lake of the Woods all his life. He taught his kids and then grandkids to love the sport. Later on, he enjoyed going with Pat to their lake place to relax and leave the work of the farm behind for the moment.

It was a joy to see Virgil with his grandkids – he was so proud of them. Above all, Virgil’s true passion was farming. He took great pride and joy in his profession and has taught so much to so many. He will be dearly missed but the impact of his life will live on in those who were touched by his life. Virgil passed away Sunday, September 17, 2023 as a result of an ATV accident near Greenbush at the age of 76.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Pat, of Greenbush, their children Nick, Amy (Dan), and Andy (Kim), his siblings Veronica Novacek, Cynthia (Jimmy) Efta, Kay Hokanson, Kenny (Annette) Gryskiewicz, and Martina (Russell Sorenson) Barrett, his grandchildren Elliot and Dillon Beito, step-grandchildren Justin (Lexi) Peterson and Josh (Katie) Peterson, a great-grandchild Suzie Jane Peterson, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, and many other loved ones.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30am, Monday, September 25, 2023 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Greenbush with Fa. George Noel presiding.

Visitation was held Sunday, September 24, 2023, after 5:00 pm at the church, with Holy Rosary led by Knights of Columbus just prior to a 7:00pm prayer service. Visitation was also held one hour prior to services at the church.

Interment services will be held at St. Aloysius Catholic Cemetery of Leo following services.

Arrangements are with Collins Funeral Home of Greenbush.

An online guestbook is available at www.collinsfunerals.com

Collins Funeral Home