Virgel Tableman

Virgel Tableman, 91, of Barnesville, MN died on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at the VA Hospital in Fargo, ND. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM, Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Barnesville, MN with Rev. Arlen Hermodson officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Color Guard of the Barnesville VFW and American Legion. Burial will be at a later date in City Cemetery, Barnesville, MN. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM, Monday, February 16, 2015 at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service. Virgel Edward Tableman was born on November 26, 1923 to Clarence Otto and Katherine Lena (Hender) Tableman at home in Baker, MN. Virgel's dad was killed in 1928. They lived in Downer for a couple of years before moving to Barnesville in 1930. He attended school in Barnesville graduating in 1942. Virgel honorably served his country during WW II in the Army, in the 100th Infantry Division, 2nd Battalion, Company F, as Staff Sargent stationed in France and Germany. He received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. Virgel was united in marriage to Betty Ann Sorum on July 22, 1953 in Barnesville, MN and celebrated 60 years of marriage. He worked at the Coast to Coast Store for his brother Donald and the Great Lakes Pipeline in Barnesville. They then moved to East Grand Forks for about four years when he continued working for the pipeline. They moved back to Barnesville and operated the filling station known as Virg's Place for 17 years. They sold the business and Virgel worked for S & S Construction and FM Asphalt for a total of 12 years. Gootch touched many people and will be remembered as a compassionate man with a subtle sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye. For many years, Gootch and his family would spend time during the summer at Lake Lizzie. He loved his grandchildren and the time they spent together. Virgel diligently cared for his wife in the last years of her life. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion and VFW in Barnesville, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, and the Rod and Gun Club. A couple highlights of his life were the WW II Honor Flight in 2007 with his son Todd, and the last trip to Arizona to see his brother Donald. In his later years, lunch at the Eagle Café was part of his daily routine. Gootch is survived by two children: Todd Tableman, Fargo, ND; Teri Schepp, Barnesville, MN; two grandchildren: Matthew Schepp, St. Louis Park, MN and Cody Schepp, Fargo, ND; two sisters-in-law: Judy (Frank Jr.) Thompson and Anita Connelly, both of Baker, MN; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty in 2013; parents; two brothers: Larry and Don Tableman; and a brother-in-law Mike Connelly. With gratitude, the family thanks the entire VA hospital staff for their exceptional care. Virgel Tableman Funeral Folder