Virgil Dean Vochoska

Aug 19, 1932 -

Dec 20, 2023

Longtime Alaska resident Virgil Dean "Judge" Vochoska, 91, died on Dec. 20, 2023. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church of Anchorage, 616 West 10th Street. The Rev. Matthew Schultz will officiate, and a reception will follow. A graveside service will be at 3 p.m. at Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery.

Virgil was born on Aug. 19, 1932, on a farm near Oxford Junction, Iowa. His father, Otto, was the Middleweight Wrestling Champion of Iowa; the "Strong Man" in the circus; and later ran a tavern-restaurant in Blairstown, Iowa.

After high school - where he was a rambunctiously entertaining Class President - he attended Cornell College of Iowa, then continued to the University of Iowa Law School. A visiting lecturer heard that Virgil intended to practice in Denver, and recommended he complete his degree there.

He transferred to the University of Denver Law School, where a classmate told him about the exciting employment opportunities in Alaska. Upon graduation, Virgil bought a one-way ticket to Alaska. Since it was not yet a state when he arrived in 1958, Virgil obtained the title of "Territorial Lawyer."

On his way to Anchorage he stopped in Juneau, where he was offered a job at the Attorney General's Office. He tried to politely decline by stating that the salary wasn't enough … but when they increased the offer, so he made more than anyone in his law school class, he accepted. Several years later, someone suggested he move to Nome to take over Judge von der Heydt's former practice. He replied: "Nome! Are you nuts?" Yet after speaking by telephone with Judge von der Heydt, he took the opportunity and enjoyed private practice in Nome.

In 1964, Virgil became an Alaska State District Court Judge in Anchorage. He was a judge for a total of 15 years. After that, he became a real estate agent. He was so honest, he wouldn't sell a property if he thought a new development would lose value over time. He was so happy as a realtor; he would express his enthusiasm nearly every day for the first year. It was a new career, and he did well at it.

Virgil met his wife, Lois, in 1964, at a party for singles. There, he spotted a beautiful blond, talking to a tall man. Virgil approached her from behind and tapped her on her hip to get her attention. As Lois told it, "I turned around, looked down … and never looked back!"

While driving her home that night, they discovered they lived in the same apartment complex. They were married two years later. In the following three years, they had two children: Bill and Patty.

Virgil valued all people equally, having deep compassion for those in need. He directly helped many people throughout his life, a living example of kindness and generosity. Here are just three examples:

While living in Nome, a woman who provided laundry services to the local community sewed a button on his shirt. This was above and beyond the services required of her, and he appreciated her kindness. After she moved to Anchorage, one of the Vochoska Christmas traditions was for the family of four to bring a Christmas goose to her, every year, for the rest of her life.

Virgil personally filled the refrigerator of a gentleman who was new to the country, until he was able to provide for himself.

Another acquaintance needed to have some tattoos removed before he could be hired by the police department. Virgil provided the tattoo removal, and the man got the job.

Having lost his own father too young, Virgil decided he would do everything in his power to stay healthy throughout his life. He believed in staying active, and enjoyed downhill skiing well into his 80s. He focused on good nutrition, regularly topping his oatmeal with raw garlic, because "it's good for you." Excited about what he learned during his ongoing self-led education on longevity, he would enthusiastically share this info with anyone who would listen.

For over 50 years, Virgil was a member of the Downtown Anchorage Rotary Club. He had over 35 years of perfect attendance. Virgil also enjoyed being a Director of Crime Stoppers, continuing as a member of the board for years.

Virgil attended First Presbyterian Church of Anchorage for over 50 years. He exemplified the biblical directive to love others, as God loves all. He had an abiding knowledge of Jesus as his Savior.

Virgil enjoyed his role as a devoted husband until Lois' untimely death in 2007. He continued to be a delightful father, then grandfather of six, until his very last breath.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bill and Aurie Vochoska of Laguna Hills, Calif.; daughter, Patty Dean of Centralia, Wash.; grandchildren, Mandy, Nadia, Bill, Tom, Aidan and Maverick; beloved niece and nephews; and many loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please consider helping someone in need. This would truly honor the memory of Virgil.