October 21, 1943 – October 27, 2024 Virginia Terkildsen passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, in San Jose, California, at the age of 81. A memorial service and interment of ashes is to be held November 1st at 11am at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 23095 Scott Drive, Long Valley, S.D. Born on October 21, 1943 to Odessa and Wesley Elwood, and she grew up in the country west of Batesland, S.D. She is survived by her devoted husband, daughter, and siblings (Kathy Zickrick, Barb Elwood and Danny Elwood) and many nieces and nephews who will forever cherish her memory.
As a young girl, Virginia was active in 4-H, band, and Future Farmers of America where she was a state officer. She graduated from Bennett County High School in Martin in 1961. Her love of music and service continued into adulthood where she belonged to the Rebekah Lodge and the Grange.
She considered her love and marriage to Art Terkildsen for 59 years her greatest accomplishment. It was love at first sight. They met at a dance in Martin. Soon after marriage, they left South Dakota for California. They watched San Jose grow from farmland into Silicon Valley where she worked at a few large companies like FMC and NEC.
Virginia was a creative powerhouse constantly crafting, sewing or painting. Even as a teen, she sewed her own clothing. When she wasn’t busy making the world more beautiful, the rest of her free time was spent reading or learning. Certifications included being a Duncan Ceramics instructor, Bob Ross Floral/Landscape/ Wildlife instructor, and she graduated from Saint Mary’s College of California in 1994 with a bachelors in business. She ran a ceramics studio teaching porcelain doll making. She showed floral and landscape paintings in local art shows.
Her family and friends will remember her as a woman of remarkable talent, kindness, and humor who inspired everyone she met to appreciate the beauty and richness in life.