Obituary of Virgil DeSmidt

Virgil John DeSmidt, 91, passed away June 4th, 2014. He was born February 15th, 1923 in Humbolt, Iowa, the son of Willard and Estella (Kendall)DeSmidt. Virgil was aWorld World II veteran, as a Navy Seal (underwater demolition) in the Pacific. Virgil was a member of Iron workers Union # 40 & 417. He was a life long member of Local # 361 where he worked as a foreman on the World Trade Center, Throngsneck Bridge, Giants Stadium, BelmontPark Racetrack and many others. He really loved the work he did.He retired in 1985 at the age of 62 where he then settled in PuntaGorda, FL, in 1987. There he tended his cattle, goats and chickens and many dogs over the years, which he loved and enjoyed. He loved raising fresh grown vegetables and citrus in his gardens and enjoyed sharing his bounty with others. He loved to stay busy. He also loved traveling, hunting and was an avid fisherman. He had a real zest for life and was loved by many. Virgil is survived by son Stephan Lex DeSmidt (Carol) of Lincoln, Maine. Daughters Kathy Ann (Lenny) Seibert of Melbourne. FL.,Linda Gay (William) Johnson, ofNew York, Margo Marie (Kevin) Whitney of Lake Placid, FL., and Wendy Jo (Kris) Kohlhoff of Fromberg, Montana. He had six grand children and nine great grand children, and two nieces, Shari Dunton and Connie Prichard. Virgil was predeceased by brothers. Verlin and Vernell and sister Veda, son John Robin DeSmidt, first wife Dorine Gay (Costgan)DeSmidt, and second wife Susan ( McCauly) DeSmidt. Virgil will be greatly missed by many. In lieu of a service, a donation will be made in Virgils name to a NO KILL animal shelter. Anyone wanting to make a donation in his name, go to www.humanesocietyofhighlandscounty.com or any NOKILL shelter of your choice.