Virgil Lenling, 79, formerly of Glencross, passed away November 13, 2023, in Cuthbert, GA. Funeral services were at Zion Lutheran Church in Mobridge on November 22, 2023.
Virgil passed away peacefully under the care of Georgia Hospice and the Fellowship Home of Cotton Hall, GA. He resided in Georgia near his daughter Jaci after suffering a traumatic brain injury in December of 2020 while wintering in Arizona.
Virgil Antone Lenling was born to Armin “Ole” and Margaret (Reiss) Lenling on March 13, 1944, in Mobridge, the first of two children. He grew up in the Glencross area and attended school in Glencross and Timber Lake. He worked odd jobs around the Mobridge area in the early 60’s. He was always very proud of the fact that he helped build the Mobridge High School.
On September 17, 1965, Virgil married Ruby Naasz. They moved from Mobridge to the family farm near Glencross. Virgil and Ruby worked on his parents’ farm until the death of his father in 1970. After the death of Ole, Margaret moved into Mobridge and Virgil took over the farm. During their marriage, three children were born: Steven in 1966, Tracy in 1969, and Jaci in 1979.
One of Virgil’s greatest hobbies was guns. He was a licensed dealer for many decades. He loved to buy/sell guns, repair them, reload shells, hunt, and shoot trap. Over the years, he was involved with several gun clubs. He greatly enjoyed the time spent with friends and family that would come for pheasant and deer season. In the 80’s and 90’s he taught the Hunter Safety Course in area schools.
His greatest passion was airplanes. Although Virgil had been flying for years, he officially obtained his Private Pilot’s License in 1979. In addition to flying for pleasure, Virgil also flew for JD Kesling and crop dusted for Terry Gross of West River Aerial in Timber Lake. He obtained his Instrument Rating in 1988. In 1989, he became the Airport Manager at Mobridge Airport. In 1991, he obtained his Multiengine Rating and his Flight Instructor License. In 2008, he obtained his Commercial Pilot’s License.
Over the next 25 years, Virgil taught many people how to fly,
March 13, 1944 – November 13, 2023
operated a Civil Air Patrol Chapter, searched for lost cattle, gave airplane rides, and taught kids about airplanes. He met and became friends with many people who traveled to Mobridge for business, work, or pleasure. Over the course of his career, he served on the safety council for the FAA and served as vice-president of the South Dakota Airport Management Association. In 2010, he was inducted into the South Dakota Municipal Airport Hall of Fame.
After Virgil left the Mobridge Airport in 2014, he traveled and began wintering in Wickenburg, AZ, where he made more lifelong friends.
Virgil is survived by his three children: Steve of Glencross, Tracy of Selfridge, ND, and Jaci of Phenix City, AL; seven grandchildren: Paige, Justin, Aaron, Jacob, Hannah, Silas, and Roman; three great-grandchildren: Emma, Delilah and Archer; his sister Shirley and brother-in-law, George of Hot Springs; and niece and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Ruby (Naasz) Lenling; sister-in-law Janice (Naasz) Thies; brother-in law Milbert “Red” Naasz; nephew Kelly Thies; and many other friends and family members.
Pall bearers were Tom Aberle, Tipton Marshall, Ronnie Lesnar, Shawn Madison, Andy Aberle, and Stanley Lesnar.