July 9, 1940 – June 17, 2025
Virginia Marie (Freiheit) Mandelko, 84, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at Harmony Place in Harmony, MN surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Granger, MN with Pastor Roger Lokker officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00pm on Friday, June 20, 2025, at Schmelzer Funeral Home (formerly known as Lindstrom Funeral Home) in Harmony, and again one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday morning.
Virginia was born July 9, 1940, at her parents, Earl and Thelma (Finch) Freiheit’s home near Wykoff, MN. She was baptized and confirmed at Dr Martin Luther Church of Spring Valley. She married Allan Eugene Mandelko August 19, 1960, at the same church. Virginia and Allan lived a 64-year marriage.
Virginia attended school in Wykoff and graduated from Wykoff High School in 1958. She was a member of the band, choir and drama club. After graduation, she worked for several years at the Thompson Abstract Office in Preston, MN. Virginia and Allan started farming in Bristol Township with Allan’s parents and eventually took over when his parents retired.
Through the years Virginia was an active church member at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church. She was a member of the Ruth Circle and served on the church council. She was an avid golfer, loved to play cards, knit and crochet.
Virginia was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband Allan Mandelko, daughter Marcia (Joseph) Jaeb, two sons Dale (Lori) Mandelko and Scott (Donna) Mandelko, nine grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two brothers Wallace Freiheit and Warren (Sandy) Freiheit and sister-in-law Karen Freiheit.
She was preceded in death by parents Earl & Thelma Freiheit, brother Wayne Freiheit and sister-in-law Phyllis Freiheit.
The family would like to thank the Harmony Place Memory Care staff members for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Virginia. A special thank you to the many friends and relatives who called, sent cards and stopped in to visit Virginia during her stay.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. Matthew’s Cemetery or a charity of your choice.
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