Virgil Leo Uhrich, age 72, of Wakeeney, Kansas, died January 8, 2023, in his home. He was born April 15, 1950, in Quinter, Kansas, to Leo Benedict and Rosalia (Zerr) Uhrich. Virgil married Sharon Kay Beer September 3, 1992, in Hill City, Kansas.
He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war as a mechanic on the USS Collett. He worked as a mechanic at Fondoble Motors in Ellis, then worked in the service department of the Norton Highway Department, then 29 years at Pepsi where he worked in the warehouse, as a route driver, and vending technician, retiring in 2009. Virgil decided to end his retirement after three days and started work for Trego County Road and Bridge. He then worked part time for Trego County Road and Bridge, as well as, Riedel Farms, retiring in 2021.
In April of 2022, he was able to take part in the Coffeyville Honor Flight accompanied by his great nephew Braddix Bozarth.
Virgil enjoyed woodworking, especially making toys for kids, and was well known for building many rocker glider chairs until November 2022. He liked to spend time fishing, camping, and spending time with family.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon of WaKeeney; sons, Kirk (Cindy) Knouf, Quinter, KS; Chad Uhrich, Ellis, KS; daughters, Bridget (Ed) Beall, Wakeeney, KS; Collett (Andrew) Spencer, Wakeeney, KS; Kristi Grate, Tulsa, OK; Heidi (Kerrey Moore) Uhrich, McPherson, KS; brother, Dwayne (Terri) Uhrich, Norton, KS; sister Marla (Curt) Bozarth, Norton, KS; Chris (Brad) Carlin, Norcatur, KS; Monica (Brian) Roe, Hays, KS; Valerie (Phil) Babcock, Norton, KS; eight grandchildren, Sierra (Levi), Jessica, Caleb, Blake (Kenna), Nathaniel, Rylee, Kaylee, and Mason, and five great grandchildren, Ayla, Rosie, Elias, Rory, and Jax. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister, Mary Uhrich, nephews, Lucas Welch and Riley Bozarth.
Services were held Friday, January 13, 2023, at 10:30 AM at St. Michael Catholic Church, Collyer, Kansas. Inurnment took place at the Kansas State Veterans'Cemetery in WaKeeney.
In lieu of flowers, family request memorials to Coffeyville Honor Flight or Wounded Warriors Project in care of Keithley Funeral Homes, Brock’s Chapel, 2509 Vine, Hays, Kansas. Please make checks payable to the organization.
Condolences may be left by guest book as www.keithleryfuneralchapels.com