Virginia Berlage

Virginia M. Berlage age 96, of Galena, Illinois, entered into eternal peace at home on Monday, March 14, 2016 with her daughter by her side. Her 96 year life began in rural Galena, the middle child of 11 siblings, the daughter of Wilmer and Minnie (Wolford) Winter. Her early life was marked by the Depression in addition to the hard working life on the farm. Strongly motivated to receive an education, she began school at a nearby one room school house, and completed High School in Galena, Illinois which required a 4 mile walk daily each way, sometimes alone or with other siblings or neighbors. Following high school graduation, Virginia and her sister, Helen (Winter) Bell borrowed and repaid money from her parents to attend the Scoville Business School in Clinton, Iowa. Upon graduation and returning to Galena she was employed at the Galena, Illinois Interstate Power Company.
In 1941 she married Edmund Berlage and began her married life on the Berlage farm, formerly the homestead of Elias Avery. Her son, Keith Berlage and daughter, Ruth (Berlage) Fina completed the family. She was committed to her husband and children as evidenced through her love and dedication as a housewife. She became known for her excellent comfort food including her home baked bread and delicious pies. Produce came from the “Olympic Pool” sized garden in the back yard which she diligently worked each year into her nineties. She was an excellent seamstress, making and designing her own wardrobe. These skills were greatly appreciated and passed to her daughter.
Following the passing of her husband in 2008, she remained on the family farm until her death, as were her and her daughter’s wishes, until Monday March 14, 2016.
Virginia admitted in later years that she wished she could have worked “outside the home” and pursue a career. This wish was partially completed through her long time employment as book keeper for the Church of St. Mary in Elizabeth, Illinois. She was also a long time member of the Church of St. Mary Altar and Rosary Society. Virginia also served as a 60 year plus member of the Illinois Association for Home and Community Education.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Edmund, her son Keith, her parents and six of her siblings. She is survived by her daughter, Ruth, daughter in law Catherine Berlage, grandchildren, Steve (Diane) Berlage, and Elizabeth (Mike) Brophy and five great children, Elijah and Micah Berlage, Treven Bruce, and Lilly and Emma Brophy. Siblings include her sisters Mona Bodell, Lucille Brown, Sarah Werner, and brother Clarence (Rita) Winter.
Virginia frequently stated that she received wonderful care as her health status deteriorated. Her attending physician, Greg Vandigo and Medical Associates staff were always available to meet her medical needs. Caregivers, Jackie and Amanda, treated her as family and were very consoling and comforting in addition to personal excellent care. In her final days, Hospice of Dubuque, completed her destiny and provided superb care to Virginia and family.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, March 19, 2016, at the Church of St. Mary in Elizabeth, Illinois, with Father Dennis Morrissy as Celebrant. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. A visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 Noon prior to the mass at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the church of St. Mary, Elizabeth, Illinois and, Hospice of Dubuque, Dubuque Iowa.