Virginia C. Otterpohl

Virginia (Nip) Cecelia Otterpohl, 82, of Sioux City peacefully completed her life journey on Feb. 25, 2015, surrounded by her children and family, at her home.
Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sioux City, with the Revs. Gerald Feierfeil, Michael Erpelding and Merle Kollash officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with a rosary at 6 p.m. and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. Arrangemnets are under the direction of the Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home
Virginia was born on May 12, 1932, in Portsmouth, Iowa, on her grandparents' (Neubauer) family farm. She was raised in Belden, Neb., by her parents, Lawrence and Laura (Neubauer) Rohloff. This is where she attended Belden Public School.
Virginia was destined to marry Joseph C. Otterpohl on March 1, 1954, at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Belden. With this union brought five children, Sara Jo, Theresa Ann, David Joseph, Janie Marie, and Susan Kay.
With honor we would like to share our mother's life. Some of her fondest memories were growing up in Belden with her sisters, Romelda (Mim), Joyce (Bud), and Jolene (Mouse). Mom's lifelong career of caring for her family began at an early age, first assisting her parents in providing a better life for her siblings and infant son, Larry. She became employed at Belden Cafe and Wincharger in Sioux City. Her most important job was being a stay-at-home mom. She raised well-rounded children by teaching them faith, education, respect for one another, responsibilities, and socializing with family and friends. Mom's goal for her children was to be an asset to society. Mom was also employed at St. Luke's after raising her children. Mom was a home body and loved a clean home. Forty-five years ago this won her a Good Housekeeping Award. She kept her home and family well structured. Mom's home was always welcoming and her generosity was contagious. Her wisdom, knowledge, and Polly Pointer tips educated many. Mom was the epitome of motherhood.
Virginia's enjoyment in life was being devoted in prayer to God and the Blessed Virgin Mary. She was proud of receiving all the sacraments of the church. Friday afternoons with her hairdresser Janet was the highlight of her week for the past 35 plus years. Conversing with family and friends, family picnics, Branson, Mo. vacations, and feeding her squirrels and wildlife always made her smile.
Virginia was a longtime member of St. Casimir and Nativity Catholic Churches. She also belonged to St. Casimir Rosary Society, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, and Nativity Ladies Guild.
Virginia is survived by her daughter, Sara Jo (Chuck) Gordon of Sioux City; daughter, Theresa Ann Otterpohl Erickson of Sioux City; son, David Joseph (Peggy) Otterpohl of Sioux City; daughter, Janie Marie (Robert) Pavlushik of Sergeant Bluff; daughter, Susan Kay (Rickie) Ahlquist of Kingsley, Iowa; grandchildren, Jamie, Joey, and Chuckie Gordon, Beckie Hogan, Darin Miller, Jerry Otterpohl, and Nikki Ahlquist; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Romelda Thompson and Patricia Groves; and several nieces and nephews.
Virginia will be welcomed into heaven with open arms by her husband, Joe; parents, Lawrence and Laura; son, Larry; sisters, Jolene and Joyce; and parents-in-law, John and Mary Otterpohl.