Virginia Mae Denn

Virginia Mae (Graves) (O’Connor) Denn passed away peacefully on September 11, 2021 at the Mapleton Community Home. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021 at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Mapleton. A private graveside service will be at Calvary Cemetery in Mapleton.  At the family’s request, please send any memorials to the Mapleton Fire Department, PO Box 473, Mapleton, Minnesota 56065. Olson-Tichenor Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Virginia was born on January 5, 1940 to Wesley and Lucille Graves in Minnesota Lake. She grew up on the family farm in rural Minnesota Lake. In 1958, she graduated from Minnesota Lake High School where she was a majorette in the high school band. On January 10, 1959, she married Robert “Bob” O’Connor at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Mapleton. She and Bob had three daughters. They had a farm north of Mapleton before moving into town in 1968. Bob was transportation director for Mapleton Schools and Virginia drove school bus. Bob passed away in 1976. On September 15, 1979, Virginia married Duane Denn at St. Teresa Catholic Church in Mapleton. Duane passed away in 2008.  Virginia continued to drive school bus.  She was a school bus driver for 44 years, last with Palmer Bus Service. Virginia enjoyed the school children and her job very much. She retired in 2012. Virginia enjoyed her family and spending time with friends. 

Virginia is survived by her daughters, Jeanette O’Connor, Paula (Al) O’Connor-Hayes, Diane (Travis) Schneider; three grandchildren, Paul (Maggie) O’Connor, Adam Schneider, Emily Schneider; one great-grandchild, Eleanor O’Connor; four stepchildren, Connie (Tony) Bach, Harlan (Donna) Denn, James Denn, Bill (Sue) Denn; nieces, nephew, and many extended family members.  She was preceded in death by her parents; brother; sister-in-law; two husbands and stepson.