Virgil Minch

Virgil Louis Minch, 79, of Fort Collins passed away Saturday Feb. 17, 2007, during his short stay at Golden Peaks Rehabilitation & Nursing Home. Virgil was born Dec. 20, 1927, in Greeley. He was the only son of Pete L. Minch and Marie Schwindt Minch. He was inducted in to the Army in 1946 where he served in the 8th Army Signal Core in Japan. Virgil graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1946 while on leave from the Army. He married Betty Jane Schaefer on April 18, 1948. They were married for 47 years until her passing in 1993. They had three children together, Duane, Janet and Dale. Virgil worked at the Union Pacific Railroad in Cheyenne, during his early years and later became a journeyman electrician. He worked as a union electrician until he retired. After retiring as an electrician he pursued his dream of running a fishing tackle business known as Betty's Bait and Tackle in Fort Collins. The business, which operated for more than 25 years, was closed in 2002 because of health reasons. He loved hunting, fishing and woodworking and could repair almost anything. He loved animals, especially his dog, Tippy. He truly had a heart of gold and will be missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his two sons, Duane L. Minch and his wife, Peggy Sue, of Bellvue, Dale E. Minch and his wife, Sharon, of Fort Collins; three sisters, Genevieve Minch Moedy, Edna Minch Schaefer and Arlene Minch King, all of Fort Collins, and two grandchildren, Darian and Dustin Minch of Fort Collins. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife, Betty Jane; infant daughter Janet K., and a sister, Gladys Renz. Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Cremation is planned with private interment at Roselawn Cemetery. Those who desire may view Mr. Minch from noon to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Golden Peaks Rehabilitation Center or Larimer County Humane Society in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colo. 80524. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.bohlenderfuneralchapel.com .