Virgil Albert Schilz

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

Virgil was born on September 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 November 25, 1942 and served as a mechanic in the southern Philippines during World War II. He was honorably discharged on January 13, 1946.

On September 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 November 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, Florida; daughter, Laurie and husband, LaVern Leibbrandt, of Danbury; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; five step-children, Bonnie and husband, Leroy Teter, of Brush, CO, Carla and husband, Tim Matheny, of Colorado Springs, CO, Charla and husband, Tom Nelson, of Portland, OR, Deb and husband, Rodney Gifford, of Phoenix, AZ and Bobby McEachern and wife, Ellen, of Spokane, WA; 10 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-great-grandchildren.

Memorials were to be given in his name.

Funeral services were Monday, November 9, 2009, 10:00 a.m. at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Pastor Clark Bates officiating. Burial took place at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska at 2:00 p.m.

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