Virginia Korkowski

Virginia (Mentele) Korkowski was born on July 1, 1931, in Howard, South Dakota to Peter and Bertha (Sherman) Mentele.  While she was still very young, the family moved to Minnesota, settling near Long Prairie.  She graduated in 1949 from Long Prairie High School and began working at the Production Credit Association in Alexandria.  After 1 year, she took a new position at the Runestone Electric Association, eventually becoming the head cashier.  During these years, she enjoyed playing softball, roller skating and road trips with her Chevy.  On June 4, 1956, she married Jack Korkowski and moved to the family farm near Brandon. Virginia loved growing flowers, sewing and other crafts. She worked side by side with Jack and they ran a successful farm.  She was active at St. Ann’s Church teaching CCD, involved with the Christian Mothers, supplying her beautiful flowers, working on the funeral luncheon committee, and many other items that came up.  Virginia was known for her good sense of humor-even up to the end.

Virginia passed away on February 19, 2020, surrounded by family after a courageous 20 month battle with pancreatic cancer.  She is survived by daughter, Mary (Gary) Lindert of Rosemount, MN; son, Scott Korkowski of Brandon, MN; grandsons, Eric (Terri) Lindert of Abingdon, MD and Brett (Jamie) Lindert of St. Louis Park, MN; and great grandchildren, Tanner, Hazel, and Beckett; sister, Georgie Hoirup of Bismarck, ND; brother, Terry Mentele of Long Prairie, MN; as well as many nieces and nephews.  Preceded in death by her husband, Jack; and brother, Don Mentele.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM with parish prayers at 4:00 PM at St. Ann’s Church; 402 Nelson Ave, Brandon, MN.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday February 27, 2020, at 10:30 at St. Ann’s, with visitation 1 hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society.