Virginia Klimek

Virginia Ione Anderson was born November 3, 1944 in Granite Falls, MN, the daughter of John and Ethel (Haave) Anderson. She was raised and schooled in Granite Falls. In 1961 Virginia was united in marriage to Douglas Thorkelson. The couple made their home in Granite Falls and was blessed with three children, Steve, JoAnn and Julie. Virginia worked for the Granite Falls schools in food service. In 1977 Virginia and her family moved to Alexandria, MN. She worked at the Viking Motel for two years as a receptionist. She continued her career in food service at several of the schools in District 206. She also worked with disabled children within the school district. On April 3, 1999 Virginia was united in marriage to Erwin Klimek at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. They were blessed with one child, Adam and made their home in Alexandria. In 2012 Virginia retired. Virginia was a former member of the Granite Falls Lutheran Church. She also was a member of the Eagle?s Club. Virginia volunteered her time to the Campfire Girls and to the Cub Scouts as a leader. She enjoyed traveling, especially if it involved mountains. She also loved working in her flower and rock gardens; Virginia really enjoyed the outdoors. She was proud of her Norwegian heritage and liked to make lefse and the traditional Norwegian pastries and desserts. Virginia liked a good basketball game. She became a fan of the Minnesota Timberwolves. She never missed a school basketball game that one of her grandchildren was playing. One of her most favorite things was to spend time with her grandchildren. On Sunday, February 23, 2014 Virginia died at the age of sixty-nine years. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Merlin and James Anderson; and one stepson, Jim Klimek. Virginia is survived by her husband, Erwin Klimek of Alexandria; Her children, Steve Thorkelson and wife, Becky, of Minnetonka, MN, Julie Boesl and husband, Jeff, of Brandon, MN, JoAnn Thorkelson of Alexandria, and Adam Klimek of Carlos, MN; step-children, Jeffrey Klimek and wife, Danae, of Minneapolis, MN and Michelle Klimek of Alexandria; step-daughter-in-law, Jill Klimek of Parkers Prairie, MN; grandchildren, Kristy Virginia Thorkelson, Endre Thorkelson, Mark Boesl, Kayla Grinager, Megan Boesl, Katie Boesl, Mercedes Klimek, Nick Klimek, Chelsea Klimek, Michael Klimek, Mark Klimek and Madison Klimek; great grandchildren, Myles Boesl, Ava Boesl, Valerie Boesl and Payson Grinagar; one brother, Curtis Anderson of Blaine, MN; and two sisters, Carol Iverson and Eleanor JensVold, both of Granite Falls. A funeral service will be held at 1 PM Friday, February 28, 2014 at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Kari van Wakeren will officiate. Randy Morken and Karen Gladen will provide music. Honorary pallbearers include all of Virginia?s grandchildren and great-grandchildren Visitation will be from 4 to 8 PM Thursday at the Anderson Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at church. Arrangements are with Anderson Funeral Home.