Virginia Wolden

Virginia Wolden, age 89, of Rapid City, S.D., formerly of Philip, died Sunday, June 11, 2017, at her daughter's house, peacefully with her family at her side.

 

Virginia was born to James C. and Elizabeth Smith on July 29, 1927, in Raleigh, N.C.

 

Virginia graduated from Cary High School, Cary, N.C., and went on to work at Camp Butner during World War II, providing accounting and payroll services which paid the German POW’s for their work when they were housed there. She saved her War Bonds and used them to attend North Carolina Beauty College and was graduated in 1946. She was an active volunteer with the Armed Services U.S.O. clubs and her love of dance made her a desired dance partner for the servicemen.

 

She married M.C. Johnson and to this union three children were born, Janet, George and Michael. On Jan. 30, 1952, Virginia married Arnold Wolden at the First Lutheran Church in Philip, where he was a charter member. To this union five children were born Gene, Linda, Roger, Mark and Terry.

 

Virginia was an active member in the First Lutheran Church assisting with Sunday School classes, Bible studies and Rebeccah Circle, but always ready to volunteer to assist with services. Virginia was a Spirit of Dakota Award nominee for her family and community contributions.

 

Virginia never really decided on one mission or career. She initially continued her career as a cosmetologist in Philip for many years and owned and operated The Personal Touch salon. She also became a certified nurse’s aide and worked at the Hans P. Peterson Hospital off and on for over 40 years, her last employment with them ended at age 84 after providing services at the Silverleaf Assisted Living.

 

Virginia’s talents for cooking, baking, gardening and sewing/needle work was passed on to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Since Arnold was a 100 percent Norwegian, Virginia became a Norwegian cook to supplement the southern cuisine she learned from her mother. For her family and friends, she cooked lots of potatoes and meat and sweets but the crowning glory was baking lefse, using Arnold’s mother, Johanna’s recipe. It was a hit and became another part time job every fall when up to 100 pounds of potatoes were made into lefse and sold at craft fairs. Arnold’s love of his mother’s sour cream raisin pie became a family tradition when Virginia perfected it and a coveted prize for those who learned to make it and have it at their whim. 

 

Virginia’s wood-working passion developed into another venture with Janet, her oldest daughter, who was also passionate about the restoration of antiques. Virginia purchased a wood finish company, Patina, and marketed the products via the internet, craft sales and word of mouth to a host of satisfied customers. 

 

The love of dance remained a lifelong passion and upon semi-retirement, Arnold and Virginia took dance classes and attended dances throughout the local area. 

 

Virginia was a grandmother to 20, great-grandmother to 24, and great-great-grandmother to two; a loyal friend to many, and an esteemed co-worker.

 

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; her parents; sister, Rachel; sisters-in-law, Jeanette Smith, Mabel Kiel, Alice Hanson-Strand, Agnes Fickbohm, Helga Warrington, Julia Brooks and Junis Wolden, brothers-in-law, Sam and Oliver Wolden, Louis Woodall; children, Janet (Craven), George Johnson and Mark Wolden; and great granddaughters, Tessa Brenner, Logan and Emma Duran. 

 

Virginia’s generous graciousness, forgiveness and open arms leave a lasting legacy for all those who were privileged to have known her. 

 

A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip.

 

Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, June 15, at the American Legion Hall in Philip with Pastor David Piper officiating.

 

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

 

Arrangements are with Rush Funeral Home of Philip.