Virginia Elaine Durst, 94, of Pine Island

Virginia Elaine Durst, 94, died of natural causes on Feb. 9, 2016 at Pine Haven Care Center in Pine Island, Minnesota.

Virginia was born on Nov. 27, 1921 in Pine Island, Minnesota. She grew up on the Egger family farm in Milton township in rural Pine Island.

Virginia married Carl Durst on Dec. 7, 1939 and they farmed in the Mantorville and Pine Island areas. They had three children: Marvin, Margaret,  and Robert. Their hired man, Clyde “Mac” Meeks, made his home with the Durst family for many years. 

Virginia was a member of Zwingli United Church of Christ and participated in the Berne Swissfest, the Ladies Aid, and Women’s Circle groups. She enjoyed farming, gardening,  caring for birds, watching wrestling, old-time music and dancing. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend to many people.

Virginia is survived by her children: Marvin (Carol) Durst of Warsaw;  Margaret Hjortaas of Pine Island; and Robert (Helen) Durst of Pine Island; six grandchildren: Tim (Charisse) Durst, Carla Durst, Kent Durst, Jason Durst, Trent (Colleen) Hjortaas, and Tara (Dan) Rezac; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great, great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Donna Egger; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl; her parents, Arnold and Margaret Egger; her siblings, Robert “Bud” Egger and Ruth Eayrs;  a son-in-law, Donald Hjortaas; one grandson, Brian Durst; and her special friend, John Pike.

A remembrance time for family and friends of Virginia will take place at Zwingli United Church of Christ in rural West Concord in the spring. Burial will be in the Berne Cemetery. The family prefers memorials to the the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.