Virginia M. Oberst

WAUSAU, Wis. - Virginia M. Oberst, 66, of Wakefield, Michigan, passed away on Feb. 7, 2020, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital after a long, courageous battle with multiple myeloma and lung cancer.

She was born on Nov. 18, 1953, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to the late Floyd A. and Dorothy (Biermaker) Pedrin. Virginia was a graduate of Wakefield High School Class of 1971. After high school she went on to get two associate degrees in business from Gogebic Community College in Ironwood, Michigan. Virginia met, fell in love and married the love of her life, Daniel Oberst, on April 7, 1973. Together they loved and raised their two children, Dawn and Shawn. Virginia worked in various places but prior to her diagnosis she most recently worked at Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield until she was forced to retire due to her illness.

Gardening, reading, sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking and word searches were some of the things that Virginia enjoyed doing. She was a member of the American Legion Post 11 Women's Auxiliary, and participated with her family every year in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk in Wausau.

Most important to Virginia was her family. Nothing made her happier than to spend time with her family and hanging out with her grandchildren. Her amazing courage, strength and love will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Virginia is survived by her loving husband of nearly 47 years, Daniel; her children, Dawn (Shane) Buchkowski and Shawn Oberst; grandchildren, Shane II and Dana Buchkowski and Michael Vandenberg, Paige Hornby (stepgranddaughter) and Drake Oberst; three sisters, Violet Smollar, Margaret Norris and Beatrice (Mike) Sjoblom; one brother, Gordon Pedrin; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Virginia was preceded in death by her four brothers, John, Stanley, Richard and Jerry Pedrin; as well as her sisters, Roberta Serbin and Laura Erickson.

A celebration of Virginia's life will take place in the spring in Wakefield. Family and friends may go to helke.com to leave an online condolence.