Virgil Keith Prather

Virgil Prather was born to John Tinsley Prather and Elna Thomsen Prather on February 22, 1927 in Omaha, NE.  He grew up in Newell, IA and graduated from Peterson High School in Peterson, IA.

After high school he worked at the Farm Implement in Peterson. In 1951 he entered the US Army where he was stationed at Camp Gordon, GA and Korea. After leaving the service in 1953 he owned and operated the Texaco Station in Peterson. On May 24, 1957 he married Darlene LaVonne Amis of Greenville, IA.  After that he worked at Pixler Electric in Spencer, retiring in 1990.

Retirement kept Virgil busy as a volunteer. He was involved with the Car Club, Main Street, Meals on Wheels and RSVP to name a few places, being honored over the years for his many acts of kindness. From running the Classic Car Tent at the Clay County Fair, with his son Jay, for many years; to installing the lights on the buildings on Main Street in Spencer. Virgil spent a lot of time helping with various electrical projects around the community.  He also restored many cars and one truck. His prized 1939 Ford Pickup truck was one of them.  He and Darlene could be seen over the years showing off one of them at various parades throughout northwest Iowa and even some in southwest Minnesota.

Virgil is survived by his wife, Darlene, sons John of Spencer and Jim (Barb) of Hudson, IA and his granddaughter, Stephanie. When Stephanie was born, he said to many, “I want to see that little girl grow up.” And he was able to see her graduate from college this spring. He is also survived by his brother Dana (Carole); nieces Karen De Francesca and Kristen Hutchinson and families and nephews Keith Prather, Jeff Amis and TC Evans and their families.  Virgil was preceded in death by his parents and son, Jay.

Virgil was a humble, generous, and kind man who would do anything for anyone and always had a twinkle in his eye.  He will be missed by many.