Virgil Earl Merrill was born in Pipestone, Minnesota on September 13, 1916, to Earl Americus and Flora Lurretta Bowen Merrill. He passed away at the Red Oak Rehab and Care Center in Red Oak, Iowa on September 20, 2009 at the age of 93 years and 7 days. Virgil was raised in the Pipestone area and graduated high school in 1933. He was active in orchestra, choir and track. Virgil attended the University of Minnesota School of Agriculture and South Dakota State at Brookings, South Dakota. He entered the United States Army Air Corps and flew 55 missions over Europe during World War II as a belly turret gunner in a B-24. He was a member of the 15th Air Force, 455th Group Heavy. In 2005, at the age of 89, his grandson took him aboard a restored B-24 and he revisited the cramped turret. He was able to point out the crucial parts, but when he saw the photos of him climbing inside, his only comment was, "I didn't know my hair was so thin on top!" On February 9, 1944, he married Vivian Wilson in Charleston, South Carolina. Their love affair continued for over 61 years, and within this love, they raised three children: Marlys Jeanne, Nancy Lee and Reid Virgil. Virgil and Vivian were intent on assuring their children received good educations and the lessons of personal integrity and learning to work hard. Virgil loved his country and served not only in WWII, but was in the Minnesota National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He was a Past Commander of the VFW Post in Pipestone and a member of the American Legion. He was a lifetime member of both organizations at the time of his death. Virgil and Vivian farmed in Sweet Township at the edge of Pipestone until 1980, when they retired and moved to Marshall, Minnesota. They lived in Marshall until Vivian's death in 2005, at which time, Virgil moved to Red Oak Rehab and Care Center in Red Oak, Iowa to be near his daughter, Marlys, and her family. He was quite content there and made many new friends, as well as being able to enjoy family gatherings. He especially enjoyed spending time with his five great-grandchildren and found it hard to believe, his legacy was so amazing. Virgil was a knowledgeable farmer and animal husbandry man. He loved animals, and was very fond of the care center's dog, Goldie. He died peacefully at Red Oak Rehab and Care Center with loved ones and Goldie at his side. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 61 years, Vivian; 2 infant sons; sister, Nellie Jordan; and brother, Donald Merrill; brothers-in-law: Kenneth Wilson, Henry Jordan, and Duane Wilson; and sisters-in-law: Gretchen Merrill and Ardith Gustafson. Virgil is survived by his children: Marlys (Joe) Conrad of Red Oak, IA; Nancy Lee Koehler of Bloomington, MN; and Reid (Kathy) Merrill of Canby, MN; grandchildren: Jenny (Emil) Sik, Farmington, MN; Robyn Koehler, Minneapolis, MN; Michael (Ashley) Merrill, Davenport, IA; Sarah (Paul) Sanders, Fort Dodge, IA; Derek (Abby) Conrad, Council Bluffs, IA; Ryan Koehler, Bloomington, MN; and Kristine Merrill, Moorhead, MN; great grandchildren: Joseph Sanders, Wyatt Conrad, Calleigh Mae Sanders, Dylan Leigh Conrad and Danika Sik; sisters-in-law: Doris Wilson, Edina, MN; and Pat Wilson, Pipestone, MN; brother-in-law, Russell Gustafson, Emily, MN; nephews: Gerald (Boots) Merrill, Pipestone, MN; and Robert (Cede) Jordan, Flossmoor IL; other nieces and nephews; relatives and many, many dear friends. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Hartquist Funeral Chapel in Pipestone, Minnesota Burial at New Woodlawn Cemetery, Pipestone, MN Visitation with the family will be on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until service time at Hartquist Funeral Home, Pipestone, MN Sellergren-Lindell-DeMarce Funeral Home assisting the family with local arrangements.