Virgil J. Wilhelm, age 92 of Highland, IL, died Monday, March 07, 2022, at Cedarhurst of Highland in Highland, IL.
He was born on Monday, December 23, 1929, in Highland, IL, the son of Alfred and Josephine (nee Voegele) Wilhelm.
On Tuesday, November 14, 1950, he married Adeline G. Wilhelm (nee Frey) at St. Paul Catholic Church, Highland, who passed away on Saturday, December 26, 1998.
He was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church; and the Knights of Columbus, Council 1580-Highland, IL; Knights of Columbus, Fourth Degree Assembly #0231-Highland, IL.
Virgil was born at St. Morgan, IL (5 miles south of Highland) on the family farm. He attended country school at the schoolhouse north of St. Morgan. He then went to St. Paul High School. In his youth, his family spoke German, and he developed that ability also. After his schooling, he became a farmer with his father. His children tell stories about his taking them to work in the bean fields, rounding up the pigs, and raising a large garden. During his life, Virgil was a master of many things: he played the accordion with a band; he drove a school bus to events. He played euchre and pinochle, even online in his later years. Virgil was a good storyteller; he always had a pen and paper to illustrate his directions and stories. Independent and strong-willed, Virgil stopped smoking after 50 years of the habit. He always maintained contact with the Mascoutah side of the Wilhelms. He enjoyed frying chicken for the Kirchenfest; he had a way of enjoying the moment he was in. He never met a person he didn’t like, and his loud voice could be heard whenever he spoke.
Survivors include: Daughter – Kathleen M. (R. Leland) Grant, Edwardsville, IL; Son – Kenneth A. (Susan) Wilhelm, Bend, OR; Daughter – Connie J. (John) Tauser, Calverton Park, MO; Daughter – Carol Sue “Suzi” (Kelly) Kimmitt, Oceanside, CA; Daughter – Nancy J. (Mark) Gilbert, Ballord, WA; Daughter – Trina M. (James) Zurfluh, Tacoma, WA; Son In-Law – Ronald J. Thole, Highland, IL; Grandchildren – 22; Great Grandchildren – 23.
He was preceded in death by: Father – Alfred H. Wilhelm – Died 7/17/1967; Mother – Josephine Wilhelm (nee Voegele) – Died 5/3/1973; Wife – Adeline Grace Wilhelm (nee Frey) – Died 12/26/1998; Daughter – Gayle A. Thole – Died 4/11/2016; Special Friend – Gloria M. Loebel – Died 6/30/2010.
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at Saint Paul Catholic Church in Highland, IL.
Interment will be at Saint Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Highland, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice or Saint Paul Catholic Church.
