Doris Catherine Virtue (Oldenburg) journeyed to her destination with our Lord and Savior on Monday, February 26, 2024, at Midwest Medical Senior Care facility, surrounded by family. A funeral mass will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena, where friends may call after 10 AM until the time of mass. The burial will be in the church cemetery. The Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena is assisting the family. She was born on December 25, 1927, to Albert and Helena (Schnerre) Oldenburg. Dorie, the youngest of ten children, grew up on a farm in rural Galena. She was very close to all her siblings. Having lost her father when she was just eleven years old, her older brothers took the role and always treated her like their “little girl.” Dorie attended St. Mary’s Grade School and graduated from Galena High School with the class of 1945. She married George Virtue on February 13, 1947, and he preceded her in death on September 22, 1975. Together, they raised five children, Paula, Michael, Libby, Tony, and Mary. After his death, she returned to school and earned her RN degree from NICC, Peosta, IA, in 1980. She juggled many balls while raising her youngest two children, working part-time, and attending school. After receiving her RN degree, she started working at the Galena Stauss Hospital, where she worked for 20 years, retiring at age 73. Dorie was devoted to her faith and was a life-long member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Galena. She was also a St. Mary’s Altar and Rosary Society member, working on many church projects they sponsored. After retirement, she traveled to many domestic and foreign places to honor Our Blessed Mother, Mary. Her genuine kindness and compassion were felt by all whom she met. Her children survive her: Paula (Paula Kowalke) Virtue, of Boston, MA; Michael (Linda) Virtue of Hanover, IL; Libby (Ron) Miller of Galena; Tony Virtue, of Sycamore, IL; Mary Hocking, of Galena, seven grandchildren, Josh (Molly Sysko) Virtue, Brad (Erica)Virtue, Luke Virtue, Andy (Kim) Miller, Paul Miller, Anna (Ian) Thill, and Adam Hocking, six step-grandchildren, Kelly McSwain, Eric Hickman, Fred Messersmith, Sarah Volpe, Natasha Richemond, William Messersmith, seven great-grandchildren, Brooklyn and Blake Virtue, Madelyn and Carson Miller, Andrea and Arriana Miller, Jaxon Thill, sixteen step-great-grandchildren. Dorie was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers; Robert, Albert Raymond, Ambrose, Francis, and Leo, four sisters; Gladys Greene, Antoinette Staggs, Mary Wienen, and Imelda Olech, a son-in-law, Rick Hocking, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Instead of flowers, memorials may be given to St Mary’s Church of Galena or Hospice of Dubuque. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Dr. Vandigo and the staff at Midwest Medical Center and Hospice of Dubuque. Your care and kindness will never be forgotten.
Doris C. Virtue
My deepest sympathy to the family. She was absolutely one of the best people on this earth and a wonderful neighbor (twice!). I have so many wonderful memories of Dorie and Mitzie, and greatly admired the strength and fortitude they had to raise their families as young widows. May you take comfort knowing that Dorie is surrounded in heaven by so many loved ones and in God’s caring hands. Sending you much love, many hugs and prayers.
Love, Susie (Murphy) and Michael Roth
Going to miss you lots grandma, may you rest in peace, love you
My deepest sympathy to your family on the passing of Dori. She will be sorely missed by all that new and loved her.
In our hearts all of you!
Wow. I hope ur mom will continue her beautiful charitable journey thru you all
My sympathy to the family. She had such a lovely smile and was a wonderful person.
Dorie, I know you are rejoicing, celebrating in your heavenly home and will be greatly missed by all your family.
I have known your goodness and kindness for a long time and enjoyed playing bing with you and my Mom at Assisted Living.
Sending all the family my hugs and prayers; always a so hard to say goodbye to Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma!
I know your Mom is rejoicing, celebrating in her heavenly home! I have known Dorie’s goodness and kindness for many years and enjoyed playing bingo with her and my Mom at Assisted Living! She will be dearly missed as my Mom’s wonderful neighbor!
Sending my love and hugs to all of the family. Always so hard to say goodbye to Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma! God’s blessings!
What a privilege to have known and worked with Dorie! Her life experiences and strong faith were an inspiration to all of us at Galena-Stauss as she provided compassionate care to all of her patients.
Sending my sincerest sympathy. With caring thoughts.
Father Jack Dennerlein and Fr Chris Kuhn wish to express our sympathy and condolences on Dorie’s death. She was a great lady, and very much appreciated. May she rest in peace and God‘s peace to all of you.