Virgil Otto Waltz, 83, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away suddenly Sunday, June 16, 2019.

Virg, son of Caleb and Della (Johnson) Waltz, was born on Oct. 10, 1935, in Albert Lea, Minnesota. In 1958, Virg enlisted into the U.S. Army, where he served until his honorable discharge in 1960. He was united in marriage to Jean Tridle on May 23, 1964, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Minnesota. They made their home in Austin, where they raised their four sons. Virg was a heavy equipment operator most of his life and owned and operated Waltz Excavating. He was a lifelong Austin resident and was an active member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church, the Eagles Club, and a lifetime member of the Moose Lodge. Virg belonged to American Legion Post 91 and Operating Engineers Local 49. He was very mechanically inclined and enjoyed building things. Virg loved spending time with his family and friends and was a big fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins. He will be greatly missed.

Survivors include his children, James (Brenda) Waltz of Hines, Minnesota, Phillip (Kristy) Waltz of Velva, North Dakota, and Daniel (Melissa) Waltz of Farmington, Minnesota; significant other, Carol Schlichter of Austin; 10 grandchildren, Jamie, Joel, Holly, Jim, Nick, Joe, Caity, Luke, Katrina and Tommy; 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Caleb and Della Waltz; wife, Jean Waltz; son, Mark Waltz; and brother, Dean Waltz.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin with Pastor Mark Niethammer officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19, 2019, at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday morning. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin with military honors by American Legion Post 91. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to donor’s choice. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.