Virgil W. Deering

Virgil Wallace Deering, 90,passed away peacefully at home Monday morning August 5, 2024. A visitation will be held on Friday August 9, 2024 at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, 1230 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA starting at 9:30 a.m. concluding at the start of the mass at 11:30 a.m. Lunch will be served after the mass. A private family interment at McLaren’s Resthaven Mausoleum will follow the luncheon.

Born in Harding, MN in 1933 to Bernerd and Julia (Brisk) Deering, Virg truly lived life. He graduated from Little Falls High School and St. Cloud State Teachers College. Virg played football, baseball and wrestled along with getting his degree in teaching with a minor in Math. After college he taught school in Crosby, MN and coached wrestling, football and baseball. During summers off, he played semi-pro baseball as a catcher in a dynamic duo with his brother Verne, who was the pitcher. In 1956 he married Nancy Joan Hammond. Their first son Dave, was born in Little Falls and after a few years they moved to Des Moines in 1959 to pursue pharmaceutical sales, had another son, Tom, and daughters, Jeanne and Lori. He eventually landed his ultimate job as Executive Director of the Iowa Optometric Association where he retired from in 1999. Virg and Nancy have so many life-long friends from the Optometry group. Many family vacations were enjoyed with these life-long friends along with multiple fishing trips with the O.D.’s and sons.

If it was worth doing, it was worth overdoing in a big VIRG way! His wife of 68 years, four children and five grandchildren kept him young and busy. With his love for woodworking, he made heirlooms for all to treasure. He was always busy taking “wood orders” and his wood creations are now enjoyed world-wide. He spent 20 years officiating football in the Big 8 Football conference as a Back Judge. He was honored by officiating several bowl games. Virg retired from the Big 8 in 1990 after the Cotton Bowl.

You always knew Virg was in the room. He was an influencer and made all who knew him better just because of who he was and how he lived life. Virg has always been described as one-of-a-kind who was always ready for a cold Budweiser. In retirement Virg and Nancy spent their vacations visiting their kids and families in Colorado, Georgia and Florida.

Virg is survived by his wife, Nancy; sons, Dave (Becky) Deering, Tom Deering; daughters, Jeanne Deering and Lori (Rob) Marshall; and his grandchildren in order, Danielle Deering, Brandon Deering, Carlye (Caleb) Townsend, Max Marshall and Vivi Deering. The bond Virg developed with each of his grandchildren is what we all could hope to achieve. The grandchildren’s “Papa” will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the IOWA Foundation – Impactful Opportunities with Athletes at www.theiowafoundation.com. Specifically intended to donate to youth sports equipment for those who are less fortunate.

As a special favor to Virg and Nancy and the family, we ask that you all raise a glass the evening of August 11, 2024 to celebrate Mom and Dad’s 68th wedding anniversary. Thank you all. CHEERS!!