Doris C. Virtue

Doris C. Virtue

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.

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