Virgil G. Lubberden
Virgil G. Lubberden
Virgil G. Lubberden
September 15, 1924 – October 24, 2016
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 92
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Virgil Gale Lubberden, 92, of Oskaloosa, died Monday, October 24, 2016, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born September 15, 1924, in Pella, Iowa, the son of William and Emma M. Van Baale Lubberden. He was accompanied at birth by his twin brother Verle.
Virgil’s primary and secondary education years were spent in the Oskaloosa school system. Following high school graduation, Virgil enlisted in the United States Army. While in the military he served overseas in Northern France, where he was injured in combat. He received a Purple Heart among other service related commendations. Upon his discharge from the Army, he enrolled in the University of Southern California, graduating in 1949 with a bachelor’s degree.
For the next ten years, Virgil worked in business positions in southern California and Alaska. In 1959, he joined the Athletic Administration staff at his alma mater, USC, and spent the next 27 years in the capacity, rising to the position of Associate Athletic Director. During this time, he acted in a dual role as Resident Manager of the Rose Bowl Football Game from 1962-1986. Because of his dedication and service, he was one of only a handful of individuals throughout the history of the organization, who was named an honorary member of the Tournament of Roses.
Following his retirement from the University of Southern California in 1986, Virgil lived in Palm Springs, California. In retirement, he enjoyed researching the genealogy of his family and traveling the world, taking many trips to South America, particularly Brazil. After many years in California, Virgil and his twin brother Verle, returned to Iowa and moved into the home they had built for their parents in 1964.
Virgil was a kind and extremely generous man, who shared his resources, his knowledge, and his love, with many. He was blessed with many loving friends, a devoted family, and a deep appreciation for Fine Arts, music, and poetry. He was blessed with a successful, satisfying, and productive professional career. While reflecting on his life in later years, he often was heard to say, “I would not have changed a thing”.
His family includes his twin brother, Verle Lubberden of Oskaloosa; a niece and her husband, Gloria (& Keith) Nollen of Pella; great nephew, Marc (& Jessica) Nollen of Fremont; a great niece, Marcy (& Todd) Milburn of Newton.
Virigil was preceded in death by his parents; a sister and her husband: Nancine and Harold Hugen.
As was Virgil’s wish his body has been cremated and no visitation is planned.
A graveside memorial service and burial of the urn will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Gloria Nollen and Marcy Milburn officiating.
