Virginia Lou Askeland peacefully passed away on January 21, 2024 after blessing this world with her love and vivacious personality for 89 years. From the very beginning, she left a lasting impact on many people during her time on earth.
Virginia Bruellman was born on April 5, 1934, in West Bend, IA to Ernest Albert and Esther Ann Elizabeth (Fredrick) Bruellman. Growing up on a farm just outside of Frost, Minnesota, Virginia was the third of seven children, remembered by her siblings as a “free-spirited” and hardworking sister. Virginia’s daily routine included working in the fields, milking cows, feeding cattle and hogs, and caring for chickens. During her teenage years, she was known for her strength, independence, beauty, and kindness. However, knitting proved to be a challenge for her… even with her sister’s patience and guidance.
As a loving mother of five children, she worked tirelessly to raise each of her kids to be fiercely independent. If not working, Virginia enjoyed a peach fizz, playing cards, going antiquing, or dressing up as witches for Halloween with her lifelong friend, Betty Hansen. And no matter how busy she was, she always managed to stay awake awaiting each child to try to sneak in past curfew. The “cherry” (light from the end of her cigarette) would always be waiting for them to return home. If one trait stayed true throughout Virginia’s life, it is that she knew all.
The rest of those lucky enough to know Virginia knew her from the many hats she wore throughout her life, from Minnesota to Iowa. From her first “real” job working with the famous Billy Graham, to her years as a florist creating art through arrangements, to her time as a beloved nursing aid at the Griswold Care Center, she dedicated her life doing what she loved and making a difference. Once retired, you could find Virginia either swooping the loop in town or sitting in front of her main street apartment with her trusted sidekick, Mr. Cat, talking to any person who passed by (or luring Mr. Cat out of the sewer with her known “kitty kitty” chant). She found immense joy spending time with her family and friends, attending services at the Faith Lutheran Church in Griswold, and antiquing with her sister, Marlene. She loved being a neighbor & grandmother to all.
Virginia is survived by Ann Bruellman (Sister-In-Law; Gaylord, MN), Marlene Bruellman (Sister; Frost, MN), Dwight & Margret Bruellman (Brother; Steamboat, CO), Kim Askeland (Daughter; Griswold, IA), Sherry (Shawn) Askeland (Daughter-In-Law: Griswold, IA), Todd & Nancy Askeland (Son; Atlantic, IA), Tina & Kevin Sindt (Daughter; Griswold, IA). Along with her grandchildren: Katy (Nick) Herbold, Erin (Eric) Askeland, Ryan (Sara) Askeland, Cory (Ashley) Askeland, Alina Tridle, Alyssa Askeland, Jessica Askeland, Gillian Askeland, Aaron (Lace) Sindt, Justine (Jordan) [Sindt] Huff; Alexandra Sindt, Jordyn Sindt, Austin Sindt. And many beloved great-grandchildren. Predeceased by Ernest Bruellman (Father), Esther Bruellman (Mother), Lorn Bruellman (Brother), Edward Bruellman (Brother), Gordon Bruellman (Brother), Roger Bruellman (Brother), Greg Askeland (Son) Shawn Askeland (Son), Willy Tridle (Grandson), and Eric Askeland (Grandson).
A funeral service for Virginia was held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the Faith Lutheran Church in Griswold. Interment was in Dell Lutheran Cemetery in Frost, MN, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold assisted the family. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.riekenfuneralhome.com
