Virginia Jensen Pentz, 98, died peacefully at home on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2013. She was born in Albert Lea on March 25, 1915, the daughter of Edward, who was the chief of police, and Marie Jensen. In 1933, she graduated from Albert Lea High School and later worked for five years as a Northwestern Bell telephone operator. On Dec. 28, 1940, she married Milton Pentz. Milt owned and operated the Midway Super Service and the Midway Sports Center in Albert Lea for many years.

Virginia was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and was active in her church circle. She loved to entertain and will be remembered for her seemingly effortless way of extending gracious hospitality, sharing her culinary skills with her many friends and family. Virginia was an avid bridge and Kings in the Corner player, active in the Naeve Hospital Auxiliary, a dedicated volunteer for the Republican Party and a passionate lover of chocolate in every form. She was a patient, dignified and thoughtful woman with a beautiful sense of fashion who lived a wonderfully long and happy life.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband, Milt in 1998; and her brothers, Frank and Alby.

Virginia is survived by her daughter, Judy (Michael) Wright; grandson, Kevin Pentz O’Shea; granddaughter, Kelly (John) Harrington; great grandchildren, Parker and Davis Pentz and Judith Harrington, all of Minneapolis; sister-in-law, Marjorie Jensen; special nephew, Michael Jensen and his wife, Andrea of Albert Lea; and nieces and nephews, Gwen, John, Marsha and Mark.

The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks and deepest gratitude to Virginia’s remarkable and devoted caregivers, Andrea Jensen, JoAnn Malepsy, Diane Elmer, Sharyn Swensrud, Willa and Michelle Sanderson, Laurel Syvertson, Holly Tabor and Julie Sather as well as the Mayo Clinic hospice nurses and aides.

In accordance with her wishes, in lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be given in Virginia’s name to First Lutheran Church Power and Peace. A celebration of life will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the First Lutheran Church chapel with visitation one hour prior to the service.