Virgil David Patnode was born June 28, 1923 at Terrebonne, MN, the son of Edward and Celestine (LaChance) Patnode. He was baptized at Terrebonne and confirmed at St. Josephs Catholic Church. He grew up and attended St. Josephs Catholic School. He was employed as an auto mechanic for Ford Garage, Red Lake Falls and drove truck. Virgil served in the United States Army, from October 20, 1943 until January 10, 1946, as a Staff Sergeant in the 32nd Red Arrow Division. After his honorable discharge he drove truck, then worked for the REA from 1948 until his retirement on May 14, 1985.

On December 29,1949, Virgil was united in marriage to Dorothy (Rewertz) Patnode. The couple lived in Red Lake Falls since.

He was a member of the Voluntary Fire Department, VFW, American Legion and Cooties. Virgil enjoyed hunting, fishing, bowling, golfing, playing cards, shaking dice, gardening, tinkering with small engines and stock cars. He also liked traveling, coffee with the morning crew, but most of all he loved spending time with his wife, kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Survived by wife, Dorothy, Red Lake Falls, MN; 6 children, Dave Patnode, Green Bay, WI, Ira (Irene) Patnode, Dorothy, MN, Bob Patnode, Red Lake Falls, MN, Theresa Patnode, Red Lake Falls, MN, Sue (Allen) Grove, Glyndon, MN and Rosi (Doug) Lizotte, Burlington, WA; 11 grandchildren, Jamie Patnode, Ellishia (Bjorn) Turnwall, Maggie Patnode, Michelle Patnode, Adam (Kim) Patnode, Jessie Patnode, Nathon (Michelle) Patnode, Joshua Grove, Amy Grove, Matthew Lizotte and Laura Lizotte; 3 great grandchildren, Noah, Zachary and Brianna Patnode; brother, Duane (Barb) Patnode, Red Lake Falls, MN and stepsister, Patricia Larson, Plummer, MN

Preceded in death by parents, step mother, brother, Joseph and sister Theresa.