Virgil “Virg” Schultze was born Feb. 11, 1951, to Milford and Lorrene (Blunck) Schultze in Osmond.
He was baptized and confirmed at Golgatha Lutheran Church in Wausa. He attended Osmond High School, graduating in 1969. The sudden loss of his father required him to sacrifice college plans and manage the family farm until the spring of 1972 when his brother returned home. Virgil held various jobs until purchasing Fat’s Lounge in April of 1981. On Aug. 20, 1993, Virgil’s life found it’s true purpose and meaning when he was united in marriage to Claudia Reed in Yankton, South Dakota. To this marriage, Virgil gained three daughters that he raised with unwavering love and kindness as his very own.
Virgil owned Fat’s Lounge for 32 years, and in those years, he was always a listening ear, keeper of secrets, and a good friend to all. In his free time, he enjoyed cards, cribbage, football, gardening, mowing and tinkering around the house. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture and woodworking projects, such as making birdhouses or squirrel picnic tables. He liked camping, road trips, visiting with friends, trying new places to eat and sitting outside, enjoying the fresh air.
But most especially, one of his greatest joys was being a grandfather. He loved spending time with his grandchildren. He had quite a way of making each granddaughter feel like the most important person in the world. Whether he was cheering them from the sidelines, running to go pick up the homework they forgot at home, slipping them extra dessert, teaching them how to cook some of his favorite dishes or teaching them the value of hard work and kindness, he was their biggest fan.
Virgil passed away on June 23, 2025, at his home in Malcolm, at the age of 74, surrounded by family after a courageous battle with cancer. There is no doubt he is up in Heaven refereeing Mr. Wilson and Jack’s age-old debate.
He is survived by his wife, Claudia Schultze of Malcolm; daughters, Jacqueline Casey of Florida and Jennifer (Matt) Bratrsovsky of Pleasant Dale; granddaughters, Micaela Klassen (Jared Dose), Heather Klassen (Chase Hackencamp), Tayler (Devin) Nissen, Jacey Klassen (Josh Hinrichs), Tekamah Bratrsovsky, Baylor Bratrsovsky and Kya Bratrsovsky; great-grandchildren, Raelyn Wochner and Stetson Hackencamp; brothers, Larry Schultze, Donald (Joan) Schultze and Dennis (Sharon) Schultze; sister, Janet (Randy) Pfanstiel; many cousins, nieces and nephews. Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, Milford and Lorrene Schultze; and daughter, Janelle Klassen.
As Virgil would say, “They make more, Let’s go!”
A memorial service will be Saturday, July 19, at 2 p.m. at the Plainview Congregational Church in Plainview. Private committal will be at the Randolph Cemetery.
Arrangements by Volzke Funeral Home.
