Virtus M. Hargens

Serial Number 37652269; Enlisted Camp Dodge December 26, 1942; Private

BROTHERS TRANSFERRED
Private Harry Hargens has been transferred from Pittsburgh, California, to San Francisco, California. His address is Pvt. Harry Hargens 37658775, F.S., A.P.O. 8927, c/o Postmaster, P.O. 8927, San Francisco, California, U.S. Army.
Private Virtus Hargens has been transferred to New York with the following address: Private Virtus Hargens 37852269, A.P.O. 8857, New York, New York. These brothers are sons of Mr. and Mrs. Chris and Anna (Wiese) Hargens of Manning.
Carroll Daily Times Herald, June 19, 1943

Manning Monitor article ------ 1943

Virtus Hargens Writes
Pvt. Virtus M. Hargens, who is stationed at the Shenango Replacement Depot, Greenville, Pa., writes, expressing his thanks to the Legion and the Monitor for the home paper.
It was especially nice to keep up on the basketball season and other home town news, he writes.
He sends regards to his Manning friends.

Sends Greeting From England
Mrs. Chris Hargens received a cable from her son Virtus Hargens stationed in England, as follows, "Love and best wishes for Christmas and the New Year to all at home, all well."
Mr. and Mrs. Hargens also received a letter from Virtus in which he sends greetings, to all his friends at home, and also sends thanks for the Christmas greetings.
He is getting along fine.

Manning Monitor article ------ 1945

Hargens Boys Write
Mrs. Chris Hargens received letter from her son, Cpl. Virtus Hargens, who is now somewhere in Holland saying that he was feeling fine and he wanted her to thank the Legion and the V. F. W. for the nice Christmas greetings they sent him.
Although he didn't, get them until the last part of February he was very glad to get them and he wants to thank Emil Kuhl and Mrs. McGrath for sending them.

He says he has been in Germany and there isn't a lot left there.
Lester Hargens is now at the Bruns General hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is getting along pretty well but is still confined to his bed. He would like to hear from some of his Manning friends as he gets quite lonesome while being confined to bed.
His address may be secured from the Monitor or his mother.

33 Months In Army, Gets First Furlough
Thirty-three long months ago, Virtus Hargens, son of Mr. and Mrs. Chris Hargens of Manning, entered the army and he's coming home for the first time, according to a telegram the sergeant sent from Boston, Mass. Monday morning.
Virtus has been overseas 28 months and his wire stated he arrived safely at the eastern port and that he would be home soon.

Virtus Hargens

Virtus M. Hargens, 90, of Le Mars, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 4, 2013, at the United Methodist Church of Le Mars. Rev. John Battern will officiate. Burial will follow at Memorial Cemetery with military honors provided by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 3, 2013, at the Mauer - Johnson Funeral Home. The family will be present from 2-4 p.m. with a Prayer Service scheduled at 4:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral on Monday.

Virtus M. Hargens was born on March 9, 1922, in Manning, Iowa, the son of Chris and Anna (Wiese) Hargens. He attended school at Manning High School, graduating in 1941. He was drafted into the United States Army on December 26, 1942. He served overseas in the European Theater as a truck driver. Virtus earned his Honorable Discharge on October 28, 1945, having attained the rank of Sergeant. Virtus returned home and began working for the Council Oaks Grocery Store in Manning.

Virtus and Lois Joens were united in marriage on January 1, 1948, in Manning, Iowa. They made their first home in Manning. The family lived in several towns while Virtus followed his career with Council Oaks. When the grocery chain closed Virtus took a position with the Super Value store in Le Mars in 1961. The name later changed to Randall's and Jack and Jill prior to his retirement in 1982. During the latter years Virtus also worked part-time for Ben Franklin and Walmart.

Virtus was a member of the United Methodist Church of Le Mars where he ushered and served on the finance board for many years. He was also a member of Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion and the Eagles Club. He loved bowling, playing cards and watching football and baseball. He was an avid walker and enjoyed visiting with the people he encountered.

Virtus is lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Lois of Le Mars; his children Linda Huls and her husband Darwin of Le Mars, Larry and special friend Tami Killion of Red Oak, Iowa, James of Seattle, Washington, Janice Sitzmann and her husband Lon of Kingsley, Iowa, Dennis and his wife Kathy of Le Mars, Darrell and his wife Kim of Le Mars, Ronnie of Le Mars; 16 grandchildren 15 great-grandchildren with one on the way; sisters and brother, Lois Crane of Rock Rapids, Iowa, Lavonne Culver of Sacramento, California, and Billie Hargens of Perry, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Diane; infant grandson, Jeremy Huls; infant great-grandson, Kaleb Hargens; sisters, Arlyne Lueth and Berdyne Marten; brothers, Harry, Ralph, Harvey, Lester, and a half-brother Roy.

Funeral Home: Mauer-Johnson-Earnest Funeral Homes 780 12th St. SW Le Mars, Iowa
mauerjohnsonfh.com