Virgil Albert Schilz

Sept. 29, 1922-Nov. 6, 2009

Virgil Albert Schilz died Friday, Nov. 6, 2009, at Hillcrest Nursing Home. He was 87 years old.

Virgil was born on Sept. 29, 1922, at McCook to August Andrew and Arvilla (Smith) Schilz. He graduated from McCook High School in 1942. After graduation, he entered the US Army on Nov. 25, 1942, and served as a mechanic in the southern Philippines during World War II. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 13, 1946.

On Sept. 29, 1949, he was united in marriage to Opal Trainer in McCook. To this union two children, Michael and Laurel, were born. Virgil was employed with International Harvester and later McCook Packing Plant as a mechanic. After his retirement he worked for Burton's Well Drilling until his health prevented him from working.

On Nov. 3, 1975, he married Phyllis "Petey" R. Vandervort.

He was a member of McCook Christian Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, traveling and camping in his RV, dancing, and going to the state fair.

Preceding him in death were his parents, August and Arvilla Schilz; one brother, Cyril Schilz; and one sister, Madeline Baker.

Survivors include his wife, Petey Schilz of McCook; son, Mike Schilz and wife, Lenora, of Crestview, Fla.; daughter, Laurie and husband, LaVern Leibbrandt, of Danbury; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; five step-children, Bonnie and husband, Leroy Teter, of Brush, Colo., Carla and husband, Tim Matheny, of Colorado Springs, Colo., Charla and husband, Tom Nelson, of Portland, Ore., Deb and husband, Rodney Gifford, of Phoenix, Ariz., and Bobby McEachern and wife, Ellen, of Spokane, Wash.; 10 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be given in his name.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Funeral services were Monday, at Carpenter Breland Chapel with the Rev. Clark Bates officiating. Burial followed at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, at Maxwell at 2 p.m.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.