Obituary

James L. Virnig, 63 year old resident of Pierz, MN passed away unexpectedly on Monday, February 26, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Pierz, MN with Father Virgil Helmin officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM on Friday and from 9 to 10:30 AM on Saturday all at the church. Caring for Jim and his family is the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Pierz.

James (Fedge) Virnig was born September 3, 1960 in Onamia, MN to the late Wilfred and Dolores (Motschke) Virnig. Jim grew up on the family farm in Lastrup, MN. He attended school in Lastrup and later graduated with the Pierz Healy High class of 1978. Jim worked at the Pierz Villa during his high school years. After graduating, he briefly worked for McCourtney Plastics in St. Louis Park before starting his career at Thielen Meats of Pierz, where he was a very dedicated employee for nearly 44 years. 

Jim was united in marriage to Danita Bauer on July 23, 1983 at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Buckman, MN. They were married for 26 years and although their relationship turned out to be less permanent than either one of them expected, they both raised two exceptional children, Chad and Alissa. 

Jim enjoyed all sports, from pitching ball for the Lastrup Lakers to bowling on a league in Pierz, and also deer hunting with his family. Jim had a very competitive nature and was good at anything he played (including pull tabs and tip boards)! He enjoyed going to happy hour, playing cards, shaking dice, and visiting with his family and friends around the community. Jim had a lot of friends to keep him busy, but most importantly he ALWAYS made time to see his grandchildren, Kayden, Klarah, Brayden, and Bryar, whom he loved dearly. 

Jim was a very generous, humble, and kind-hearted man who will be missed so deeply.

Jim is survived by his son, Chad Virnig (Nicole); his daughter, Alissa Boser (Torrey); brothers, Billy Virnig (Sandy), Jeff Virnig, and Pat Virnig; sisters, Jackie Moser (Gary), and Joyce Lindgren (Brad); grandchildren, Brayden Virnig, Kayden Boser, Bryar Virnig, and Klarah Boser; along with many nieces and nephews.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Wilfred and Dolores Virnig; brother, Peter Virnig; niece, Sheila Moser; grandparents, Albert and Mary Motschke, Peter and Marie Virnig, and many other relatives.