Virgil Defreece of Thief River Falls, MN age 68 died on Friday, December 26, 2014 at his residence with his loving wife at his side.Funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Mark Helgeland and Rev. Ben Carlsen officiating. Burial will be a Ekelund Cemetery, rural Goodridge, MN.Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN and from 9:30 AM until 10:30 AM on Monday at Redeemer Lutheran Church.Virgil Edward Defreece was born on March 7, 1946 in Kingsport, TN the son of Winston and Mandy (Delp) Defreece. He was baptized and confirmed at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bethel, IN. He attended school in Whitewater, IN. Virgil entered into service with the United State Army in 1964. While stationed in Colorado Springs he worked with the new recruits and also served in Korea during the Vietnam War for 13 months. In 1967, Virgil was Honorably Discharged. On February 3, 1967 Virgil was united in marriage to Arlette Hyland in Colorado Springs, CO and the couple made their home in Ohio for one year and then moved to Thief River Falls, MN where they have continued to reside. Virgil went on to graduate from Northland College with degrees in Architectural Drafting, Auto Mechanics and Auto Body. Virgil worked at Bridgemans in Thief River Falls for 30 years where he drove semi-truck and was a mechanic. In 1998 Virgil retired and his job became day-care for his five grandkids, Shane II, Dylan, Alyssa, Jade, and Jordyn. He took this job seriously and did what needed to be done including changing diapers, potty training, homework, and trips to McDonalds or fishing. His whole life revolved around his wife, kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.Virgil was a very kind, caring, patient, understanding man who would do anything for anybody, and he was always whistling. He played bass in several local bands over the years, did some woodworking including sleds, playhouses with flower boxes, front porch and a deck, and he loved to fish. Virgil also designed and built one of their homes.He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church, a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #2793, American Legion Post #117, and the Forty and Eight.