Virgene Janet Sehlin

Virgene J. Sehlin, age 87, Golden Valley, passed away at Trillium Woods senior living community in Plymouth, MN on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. Funeral services will be held at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church, 4040 MN-101, Plymouth, MN, on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior. Memorials preferred for the Sehlin-Grack Scholarship at Gustavus Adolphus College. Virgene Grack was born in New Auburn, MN to Edward and Viola Grack on March 3, 1939. Her family moved to a farm a few miles west of Arlington Minnesota in 1947. She attended a rural school before graduating from Arlington-Green Isle High School as Valedictorian in 1957. She served as editor of the student newspaper in addition to her academic accomplishments. After her graduation, Virgene attended Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN. She served as editor of the student newspaper and was chosen as a member of the Court of St. Lucia during her time at Gustavus. She received a Bachelors degree in English in 1961. On June 22, 1962 Virgene was united in marriage to Sid Sehlin. The couple has resided in Golden Valley, MN since 1967. She began her career after college as an English and Journalism teacher at Mounds View High School in Arden Hills, MN. She resigned from her teaching position in 1966 to focus on homemaking preceding the birth of her son Scott. She continued to do free-lance writing and volunteer work for gifted education programs. She accepted a position to lead the gifted education program for the Minnetonka School District in 1978, but resigned in 1979 with the pending birth of her son Jonathan. Sid and Virgene joined The Lutheran Church of the Triune God in Brooklyn Center, MN in 1963. Virgene served on the Altar Circle and was a frequent Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. Virgene continued her membership until the closure of the church in 2025. Virgene had a lifelong passion for academics and for serving others. She was a long time class agent for her graduating class at Gustavus and also was chosen to serve on the Alumni Board. She maintained a close relationship with many of her college friends throughout her adult life. Virgene also volunteered for various organizations including the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society, in addition to being an active volunteer supporting Scott and Jonathan's schools. When her husband Sid encountered serious health issues during their final two decades together, Virgene took on increasing responsibilities as his caregiver, providing constant support regardless of the challenges they faced. Virgene was preceded in death by her husband Sidney Sehlin, parents Edward and Viola Grack, sister Judith Pinske, and a nephew Stephen Grack. She is survived by her sons Scott (Christy) and Jonathan (Jessica); grandchildren Justin, Kyle, and Lauren; sister Janice Eggersgluess (Gene), brother Darvin Grack (Sandy); 11 nieces and nephews; and in-laws Lois and Duane Wacker, and Connie and David Smidt. We thank all of the friends and family who enriched Virgene's life, as well as caregivers affiliated with Trillium Woods, Joyful Companions, and North Memorial Hospice who treated her with respect and compassion during her final days.

Virgene Janet Sehlin

March 3, 1939 - March 18, 2026

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