Andrew Earl "Andy" Virkler

1929 - 2024

Andrew (Andy) Earl Virkler

Dec. 20, 1929 - May 3, 2024

EUREKA - Andrew (Andy) Earl Virkler, 94, of Eureka, formerly of Bay City, MI, peacefully passed from this life on Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka, IL.

The son of the late Silas and Mary Amanda (Virkler) Virkler, he was born on December 20, 1929, in Croghan, NY, and married Maxine Freidinger on May 3, 1952, in Bay City, MI.

He is survived by his four sons: Dennis (Gayle), Stan (Beth), Kim (Ginger), Andrew II; and his daughter, Cynthia; 11 grandchildren: Paul, Nathan, Ben, Joel, Jonathan, Rachel, David, Ruth, Elizabeth, Timothy, and Mary; 34 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Eleanor (Frank, dec.) Virkler of New York. He was preceded in death by five brothers: Gordon, Raymond, two unnamed infant brothers, and Frank; five sisters: Mary, Gertrude, Esther, Betty; and one unnamed infant girl; and one infant granddaughter, Suzanna Joy Virkler.

He was raised on a dairy farm outside of Croghan, NY. After serving four years in the Navy, during which he and Maxine were married, they moved to Bay City, MI. He worked for his father-in-law, Ed Freidinger, and then took over the family business, Freidinger Builders, when Ed retired in 1963.

The greatest event in Andy's life was when he and Maxine realized their need for a Savior and surrendered their lives to their Lord in August 1953. In his retirement, Andy enjoyed spending time at the family cottage in Linwood, MI.

Andy was a member of the Apostolic Christian Church in Bay City, where he served as a minister and then Elder, and more recently of the Apostolic Christian Church in Congerville where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., with church ministers officiating. Visitation will be Monday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Goodfield Fellowship Hall, and prior to the funeral service from 9:00 a.m. until 9:45 a.m. Burial will be at the Goodfield-Congerville Apostolic Christian Cemetery in Congerville.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff at the Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka where he received excellent care for the past three years.

Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka is assisting with final arrangements.

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.argoruestmanharris.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Apostolic Christian Home of Eureka or Apostolic Christian Lifepoints in Morton, IL.