Virginia Louise Von Talge

Virginia was born on June 3, 1934, in Earlville, Iowa, to Harry and Ella (Baskerville) Gibbs. She graduated from Earlville High School in 1951, and on July 8, 1951, married Richard Von Talge in Earlville. Together, they raised four children. At the age of 35, Virginia earned her certification as a Licensed Practical Nurse through the NICC Adult Training Program in Dubuque. She dedicated 25 years to her nursing career, serving at Mercy Hospital in Dyersville and the Good Neighbor Home in Manchester before retiring in 1996.

Virginia spent her entire life in Delaware County, where she was a devoted homemaker and an active partner in supporting her husband on their farm east of Manchester. Known for her generous spirit, she was always willing to lend a helping hand. She gave freely of her time to her church and found great fulfillment in caring for others and her door was always open to anyone in need. Virginia had a love of travel which led her to all 50 states. She especially enjoyed her trips to see many light houses. She also found joy attending to her flower gardens and watching the birds.

Virginia was a member of the Eastern Star Colesburg Minnehaha Chapter. She previously served on the Board of Directors for Area Residential Care, including a term as President. She also held various leadership roles, including President with ARC of Iowa. Virginia was a member of Retired Nurses and an active member of Earlville United Parish where she served in numerous capacities and also led to her mission work. In addition, she was a member of Shriners Widows and formerly served on the Iowa Advisory Board for Birth Defects Prevention, as well as the Association for Mentally and Physically Handicapped Individuals.

Virginia is survived by her children, Alan Von Talge of Manchester, Eleanor (Doug) Snowbarger of Davenport, Iowa, Catherine (Brian) Caldwell of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, Sara (Phillip) King of Alborn, Minnesota,; foreign exchange daughter, Doris Maull; grandchildren, Jacob Snowbarger (Lindsey Bartolomei) , Joshua (Kristi) Snowbarger, Bethany (Justin) Anderson, Brianna Caldwell (fiancé Erny Pacheco), Miranda (Jordan) Daml, Allen (Tracy) Snowbarger; great-grandchild, Cooper Snowbarger, Madelynn Daml, Noah Daml, Riley Snowbarger, Tyler Snowbarger (fiancée Molly Cheers); great-grandson, Waylon Snowbarger; and her sister, CeCelia (Bruce) Keith of Lake Forrest, Illinois, along with many special nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ella Gibbs; husband, Richard Von Talge; her sisters, Mary Patton and Lois Zollars and her foreign exchange daughter Annika Omholt-Jensen.

Memorials in Virginia’s name may be directed to the Earlville United Parish Scholarships, Maquoketa Valley Dollars for Scholars, Tri County Care and Above & Beyond Hospice.