I remember him from when i was younger…many years ago, a friend of mine who actually knew him introduced him to me…we were driving near pet co in waite park and nobody would let him cross the street…so we parked the car,put on the hazards,and went over there..he greeted us right away..asked us if “we were ready to go”…and then he proceeded to lead us across the street!!! LOL!!
he was cool.
rest in peace brother.
Andrew P. "Andy" Virden
November 19, 1927 – March 11, 2011
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waite Park for Andrew P. “Andy” Virden, age 83 of Waite Park who died Friday, March 11, 2011 in Waite Park. Reverend Vincent Lieser will officiate. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery in Waite Park.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud and after 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Knights of Columbus Bishop Zardetti Council #5548 at 6:00 p.m., the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Assembly will stand honor guard from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home in St. Cloud.
Andy was born on November 19, 1927 in Waite Park, Minnesota to Andrew D. and Clara M. (Imdieke) Virden. He was a 1946 graduate of St. Cloud Technical High School and a 1950 graduate of St. Cloud State University. Andy was employed in sales for four years prior to owning and operating Virden’s Vending and Concession that was headquartered in the downtown St. Cloud Post Office lobby and was under the State of Minnesota Business Enterprises for the Blind. He retired on January 10, 1994.
Andy was a member of the National Federation of the Blind, Past President of the Central Minnesota Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind. He also served on the Board and was a life member of the Blind Merchants Division, National Federation of the Blind of Central Minnesota. Andy was a member of Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #622, former President and member of the Waite Park Booster Club; he was a past President and held various other offices on the Waite Park Spass Tag Committee and was Grand Marshall in 1981. He was active in DFL politics and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Dinner in St. Cloud. Andy was the Grand Marshall of the Wings, Wheels and Water Festival in 1986. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Bishop Zardetti Council #5548, which he held various offices, and a member of Kappa Delta Phi at St. Cloud State University, St. Joseph’s Parish, Nocturnal Adoration Society, Choir, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Assembly #530, and RSVP where served on the board for six years.
Andy is survived by his sister-in-law, Marce Virden of St. Cloud; and many nieces and nephews.
Andy was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Helen Catherine; brothers, Alfred, Joseph and Ralph.
Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Guestbook
We miss your presence at the post office, you were such a staple fixture in the community, and always a pleasure to chat with.
what a insperation andy was . he was the most couragous person i knew.st.cloud has lost a icon. But heaven has gained a saint.
Larry Haws is sending this message from St. Ben’s ShortStay where he is recovering from brain surgery in January.
One of Andy’s most significant contributios to the people he served was his attitude, and to put a person’s “abilities” first. Andy taught many people about this, but Larry learned this many times from Andy’s example of courage and determination.
One day when Larry was working at the State Capital, Andy walked into his office alone, white cane in hand. Larry was surprised and amazed that Andy had navigated his way to his office in the capital building. Andy said that it wasn’t really that hard and that he only had to yell out a couple of times, “Where’s Haws at?”
Andy was a brilliant man. Larry said that Andy called him once about a problem he had and what experts Larry knew who could solve that problem for him. Andy asked if Larry would call those experts and get the problem solved. Larry asked for an hour and gave the designated “experts” a call and there was a solution found.
The St. Cloud/Waite Park community has lost a wonderful human being in Andy Virden. He was a true example of looking at what you can do in life and then pursuing it.
Happy Heaven, Andy! I’m sure that you’re finding your way around with Heavenly vision!
As a young girl and into my08 adult life, Andy always knew my name and spoke to me. He was a true friend and gentleman. Heaven will be blessed to have Andy among the other saints.
Services
Visitation
Daniel Funeral Home, St. CloudSchedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 18, 2011 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Waite Park. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery in Waite Park.
Family and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Daniel Funeral Home, St. Cloud and after 10:00 a.m. on Friday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Knights of Columbus Bishop Zardetti Council #5548 at 6:00 p.m., the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Assembly will stand honor guard from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home in St. Cloud.