Virginia L. Campbell

Rock Rapids, IA

     Virginia L. Campbell, age 94 of Rock Rapids, IA passed away Friday, November 30, 2018 at Sanford Hospital in Rock Rapids, IA.

     Funeral service will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at the Christian Church Disciples in Rock Rapids, IA with Rev. Carolyn Salberg officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Rock Rapids.

     Visitation will be Monday, December 3^rd from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM with family present, at the Jurrens Funeral Home in Rock Rapids.

Memorials may be directed to Christian Church Disciples of Rock Rapids.    

     Virginia Louise Skidmore was born on July 19, 1924 in Baxter, KY. At the age of three her family settled on a farm near Rock Rapids, IA, where she spent her childhood, often visiting relatives in Kentucky throughout her youth. In 1940 she graduated from Wilson High School in Rock Rapids.

     In 1942 she married Lyle Hansen and moved to the West Coast and Texas, returning to Rock Rapids after WWll with her young children Jerri Lynn and Douglas Lyle. After their divorce she began her professional career as a telephone operator and manager, a pioneering role she cherished. She met Charles Wayne Campbell and they joyfully married on August 19, 1952 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. Together they purchased the acreage on Tama Street along the Rock River, affectionately known as Campbell Farm. They welcomed four more children: Steven Wayne, Carol Ann, Patricia Kay and Mary Jean.

     Known for her tireless work ethic, Virginia assisted Wayne on the farm by bookkeeping for his business with Iowa Breeders. She worked at J.C.Penney for 25 years where she created the catalogue desk. Her passion for education led her to attend college courses at night and study advanced mathematics. A love of numbers served her well as a bookkeeper at the Rock Rapids Utilities office and Merrill Pioneer Community Hospital, and also as treasurer at the Christian Church Disciples.

     Never one to sit still, Virginia was an honored 4-H leader and volunteer who was recognized as “Friend of the Fair”. She was a member of Eastern Star for over 50 years and supported countless community and school activities. A master seamstress and voracious reader, she loved to teach Sunday school, dance, and attend cultural events. All the while, Gram could be found tending her vegetable garden, making something delicious in the kitchen, or keeping fit with a daily walk along the river.

     The Christian Church Disciples and her family were the central focus of her life. Virginia lovingly gave full-time home care to Wayne for nearly 30 years. She was a dedicated daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who influenced and supported the many endeavors and achievements of her family. She passed on her love of all holiday celebrations and the importance of community service.

     May her legacy of love, faith, and service be carried on through her children and grandchildren.  Children include Jerri (Roger) Korenberg, Diane Sapp (wife of the late Douglas), Steven (Debra) Campbell, Carol (Randy Jensen) Vander Kolk, Patricia, and Mary (Donald) Smith. Grandchildren: Karen and Kevin Korenberg, Scott (Mona), Nichole, and Paul (Tanya) Campbell, Aaron (Miranda) and Collin (Katie Geerdes) Campbell, Dustin Vander Kolk, Leslie Jensen Campbell and Laura (Matt) Hickey, Julia (Trevor Bartlett) Campbell, Trey (Emmie) Smith, Cameron (Danielle) Smith, Spencer (Ashley) Smith, Brittany (Benjamin) Uphoff and Kelsey (Jacob Rohlik) Vogt. Great grandchildren: Leah Korenberg, Elijah, Aidan and Danika Korenberg, Christine, Nicholas, and Cameron Campbell, Riley and Ellis Campbell, Gwynneth and Jack Campbell and Hadley Hodak, Ember Hickey, Daniel, Cecilia and Adeline Smith, Nellie and Ian Smith, Jade, Alex and Liam Smith, and Carter Rohlik, along with many nieces, nephews, and their families. She is also survived by her brothers Bruce and Don (Grace) Skidmore, sister in law Miyo Skidmore and John Pudwill.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne, son Douglas, her parents Silas and Ruth Skidmore and stepmother Senora Skidmore, and by her siblings Clel, Dorothy, Gene, Burleigh, Wilford, Vera, and Thomas.