Virgil L. Cordes

Virgil Lee Cordes, age 84, of Stout, Iowa, was born the son of Louie and Madeline (Miller) Cordes on October 18, 1937, at the DeBoer Sisters’ Maternity Home in Aplington, Iowa.  Virgil attended Ripley Country School, then Aplington High School.

On July 17, 1959, Virgil was united in marriage with Velma Ann Meyer at the Reformed Church of Stout.  After their marriage, the couple lived in New Hartford, Parkersburg, then moved to a farm northwest of Stout.  In 1982, Virgil and Velma moved into Stout.  Virgil worked at the New Hartford Elevator, many construction jobs and farming.  Virgil owned and operated Cordes Construction and was a grounds supervisor at the University of Northern Iowa, from where he retired in 1998.

Virgil was a longtime member of the Reformed Church of Stout.  He enjoyed camping.  Some of his favorite places were: Deer Run Resort in Elkador, Wilder Park in Allison, and Hickory Hills in LaPorte City, where Virgil also worked.  Virgil enjoyed tractor pulls, woodworking, farming and attending Blue Grass music festivals.

Virgil died Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Mercy One – Covenant Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa, of natural causes.  Virgil is preceded in death by his parents, Louie and Madeline Cordes; an infant daughter, Susan and a daughter, Sheila.

Virgil is survived by his wife of 62 years, Velma; two daughters, Barb (Jason) Johnson of Parkersburg, and Lisa (Greg) Melcher of Fern; a son, Gary (Kim) Cordes of New Hartford; five grandchildren, Nicole (Kendall) Kannegieter, Mike (Tessa) Nisius, Casey Melcher, Alyssa (Jordan) Palmer, Bo (Jacey) Cordes; eleven great-grandchildren, Kayla, Kaiten, Kamden, Kaeley, Karsen, Kaibree,Keagen, Kaselynn, Adilynn, Emrie, and a great grandson (on the way); three brothers, LaVern (Merry) Cordes of Nevada, Iowa, Roger (Judy) Cordes of Stout, and Delbert (Sharon) Cordes of Parkersburg; and a sister, Shirley Cordes of Parkersburg.

Funeral services were held 1:30 p.m., Friday, February 11, 2022, at the Reformed Church of Stout, with Dawson Ackerman officiating.  Elaine Schnell was the organist and she accompanied the congregation as they sang “Jesus Loves Me”.  Randy Aalderks provided special music as he sang “What A Day Medley” and “How Great Thou Art”.  The burial was at Stout Cemetery with Bo Cordes, Jordan Palmer, Mike Nisius, Casey Melcher, Shawn Meyer and Tim Kremme serving as Casketbearers.  

A visitation was held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg.  Memorials may be directed to the family.  Redman Funeral & Cremation Services in Parkersburg was in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be left at www.redmanfuneral.com.