Virgil Boyens

Virgil C. Boyens was born February 23, 1920 in Walkertown, Iowa, which is now part of Manilla, Iowa. He and his older brother Melvin went to live with their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Boyens, when Virgil was two years old. Virgil attended Manilla Schools until 9th grade and was the president of his class. He then helped his grandfather with blacksmith work and his father, Charles, with bricklaying and well digging. Virgil and his father would go “Water Witching” with a V-shaped stick to find water underground to dig their wells. This experience led to Virgil’s future career in digging wells and owning his own business.
Virgil married Ruby Crouch on June 4, 1941 in Missouri, and they adopted their daughter Kathryn when she was 7 years old. The two lived in Manilla and also built a home in Denison, where he lived until after Ruby passed away in 1991. Virgil moved back to Manilla and met Edna Mitzel in 1995 and she has been his loving companion ever since.
Over the years, Virgil was very involved in the community, serving on several boards, including the Manilla Memorial Hall, the Klondike Hotel, First United Methodist Church, and having the title of past President of the Kiwanis Club. He played a very important part in his grandchildren’s lives and was seen as a mentor and shoulder to lean on for them. Virgil loved spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He was an interesting soul that always had an excellent story to tell. Virgil loved going to the casino and traveling, even if it was just driving around looking at the cornfields. He loved all food, but especially enjoyed ice cream! Above all, Virgil’s faith was the most important thing in his life, he was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Denison and was always an hour early for worship, without fail.
Virgil passed away September 22, 2017 in Manilla, Iowa, attaining the age of 97 years, 6 months, and 30 days. In addition to his parents and grandparents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Ruby; daughter Kathryn Boyens; brother Melvin Boyens; and sister-in-law Goldie Boyens.
He is survived by his companion, Edna Mitzel, of Manilla, IA; grandchildren Beck Ruiz of Defiance, IA; Nathan Kelly of Early, IA; Marcus Kelly and girlfriend Amanda Hughes of Early, IA; great-grandchildren Adeline Boyens; Salvador Solis; Ozmar Solis; Jada Solis; Yermando Solis; Marizela Duran; Dominic Kelly; Cadence Kelly; great-nieces June, Bonnie, and Sandra; and great-nephew Marvin.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church, Denison, Iowa with Rev. Jan Burnett officiating. Music for the service included recordings of “Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Old Days” and “Daddy’s Hands” and congregational hymns of “How Great Thou Art”, “Amazing Grace” and “Old Rugged Cross”. Honorary Pallbearers were Marcus Kelly, Rigoberto Herrera, Salvador Solis, Ozmar Solis, and Dominic Kelly. Pallbearers were Jackie Clemons-Ausman, Andrew Ausman, Nathan Kelly, Christopher Caravantes, Keith Boyens and Bill Heiden. Following the burial rites at Oakland Cemetery, the family invited everyone to join them at the Methodist Fellowship Hall for a luncheon provided by the First United Methodist Women. The Pauley Jones Pfannebecker Funeral Home, www.pauleyjones.com , Denison, Iowa was in charge of arrangements where a visitation was held Monday, September 25, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.