Funeral services for Virgil J. Ryan, age 71, of Albert Lea, will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. from the Church of St. Theodore. The Rev. LaVern Trocinski will officiate.

Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home with a 7:30 prayer service. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the services at the church. To sign the guest book, go to:www.bayviewfuneral.com

Virgil died on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at the Albert Lea Medical Center.

Virgil J. Ryan was born on Oct. 29, 1933, in Geneva, the son of Norval and Grayce (Johnson) Ryan. He attended and graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1951. On June 4, 1955, Virgil was united in marriage to Shirley Larkin at Queen of Angels, Austin. He was employed at Hemingway Concrete for 17 years and then Brua Masonry.

Virgil loved playing and watching all types of sports. He enjoyed bowling, golf, playing cards, pool and softball, where he was inducted into the Softball Hall of Fame. He also would travel to umpire fast pitch softball for both men and women. Virgil also worked and managed the Moose Lodge and the Union Center.

In his later years he enjoyed watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in their various sports.

Virgil delivered Meals on the Go and was recently the secretary. In his retirement Virgil worked for his grandson at the Wells Super Valu as a stocker and carry out person. Virgil was a member of the Moose, Elks, Eagles and St. Theodore’s Catholic Church where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Virgil was well known for his ability to tell stories and was doing that until God took his hand.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley: daughters: Vicky and husband Dave Book od Albert Lea, and Cheryl and husband Jerry Wilma of Winona; son, Jeff and wife Steph Ryan of Winona; grandchildren: Amy and husband Bruce Mandler, Heather and husband Bryan Lande, Bridget Wilma, John Wilma, Anthony Wilma, Scotty Ryan, Joe Ryan, Nick Ryan and Alex Ryan; two great-grandchildren: Felicia Mandler and Alexis Mandler; sisters: Norvaleen &uot;Mic&uot; Mandt of

Albert Lea, Marcella &uot;Sally&uot; and husband Merle Aase of

Northwood, Iowa, Janet and husband Andy Anderson of Sun City, Ariz., and Gloria and husband Donald Hagen of Northwood, Iowa; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Richard Mandt; and great-granddaughter, Ashley Mandler.