Virgil Zade

Virgil Edward Zade died last Wednesday at his home in Red Cloud. He was born Dec. 6, 1936, and was the eldest child of Edward and Ketturah (Lain) Zade. Soon after his birth the family moved to Red Cloud. Virgil attended the Red Cloud Schools and graduated with the Class of 1955. Owing to his quickness, speed, determination, positive attitude, and team spirit, Virgil was recognized for excelling in sports, especially football and track. Following graduation, he worked at the Seymour Packing Company in Red Cloud for Herb and Lucille Archer.

In 1957, Virgil enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Following boot camp, he was sent to Norman, Okla., where he received preparatory schooling to become a naval aviation electrician. This was followed by additional schooling and trainings in Jacksonville, Fla.; McGuire AFB in New Jersey; and Camp Pendleton in California. The various stints completed his certification to be an aviation electrician specializing in jet fighter planes. Virgil was then assigned to the famed carrier, U.S.S. Midway, and reported to assignments in Hawaii, Hong Kong, the

Philippines and Guam. While in Hong Kong, the Midway and its crew were called to emergency action off the coast of southeast Asia. His last stint in the Pacific was served in Japan where he completed his military obligations and was honorably discharged.

Following his discharge, Virgil utilized the GI bill and attended technical college in Denver for further training in the area of electronics. After graduation, he continued to work in Denver. In 1962, he was married to Dorothy Holslin. They moved to Anoka, Minn.,

where Virgil became the service manager of an electronics establishment. He eventually started his own electronics sales and service business. After selling his business, his career took him to Morris, Minn., where he retired. Dorothy died in 2000.

Virgil returned to his hometown in 2000, where he became reacquainted

with his high school sweetheart, Harriett Yost DeLay. They were married in 2002 and continued to live in Red Cloud. He assisted at the Red Cloud Chief and later took a position in maintenance for the Red Cloud Housing Authority from which he retired in 2020.

Virgil was an active member of the Red Cloud United Methodist Church where he served in multiple capacities and on several church boards. He was a dedicated member of the Red Cloud Lions Club and for several years was top salesman of the annual peach sales. This earned him the nickname, “Peaches.” Virgil also volunteered and participated in various community activities which ranged from host duties at the Red Cloud Opera House to assisting with school enrichment activities. Virgil enjoyed fishing and coffee times with friends.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Sharon Dedrick and Cheryl Johnson.

Survivors include his wife, Harriett; stepchildren, Jani Gentry, JoLynn

Ballou, and Jerry DeLay; six step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and sister, Glenda Quig.

A private family funeral was held Monday at the First United Methodist Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Bonnie McCord officiating.

Interment with military honors for family and friends was at 2 p.m., Monday at the Red Cloud Cemetery.