Virgil J. Vander Laan, 60, of Redfield, SD died Sunday, October 11, 2009 at Avera St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen. His funeral will be Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield. Reverend Tim Fugman will officiate. After the services Virgil will be cremated. Visitation will be Tuesday from 1-8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5-7:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home in Redfield. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Virgil was born March 1, 1949 in Linton, ND to John and Gertrude (Vander Wal) Vander Laan. He attended Pollock School before farming a few years in the Pollock area. He later worked in the North Dakota oil fields and the Akaska, SD CO-OP before moving to Redfield in 1992. Virgil married Peggy Mitchell on August 13, 1983 in Mobridge, SD. Virgil was a Direct Support Professional at South Dakota Developmental Center-Redfield until his health forced him to retire in 2004.

Virgil enjoyed woodworking and kept his yard and vehicles spotless. He earned yard of the month numerous times. He treasured spending time with his family and friends.

Virgil is survived by his wife Peggy of Redfield, four children: David (Gina) Mitchell of Warrenton, VA; Diana (Chris Grafft) Vander Laan of Sioux Falls, SD; Dustin (Heather) Vander Laan of Ft. Hood, TX; and Amanda (Brian) Ingram of Ogden, IA and their four children. He is also survived by his brother Wayne (Shirley) Vander Laan of Mound City, SD and his sister Maebel (Jim) Nieuwsma of Herried, SD.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Virgil will be loved and missed by all.