STAFFORD - Virgil Warren Bruegger was born October 12, 1923, as the youngest child of Edwin and Mattie (Keys) Bruegger. He died June 2, 2017, at the Leisure Homestead in Stafford.

Virgil was raised in Bushton. He graduated from Bushton High School in 1941. He served in the United States Army from 1943-1946. Virgil was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout for eight years. He was a sharp shooter and won many medals for his archery skills. While in the army, he served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre and spent most of his service time in French Rupert B. C., Canada. He loaded ships as a stevedore. After being honorably discharged, Virgil attended Kansas State University for one year. From 1946-1949, he worked for Vickers Petroleum as a roustabout.

On September 10, 1951, Virgil married Mary E. Chansler of Holyrood, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. From 1949-1969, Virgil worked in the oil field and owned C & B Tank Service. In 1970, they moved to Hutchinson. Virgil retired from Kansas State Industrial Reformatory, after 16 years as a correctional officer.

Virgil was an avid bowler for 20 years and learned to play bridge beginning in 1987. After retiring in Hutchinson, Virgil helped many of his neighbors in Hutchinson by mowing and doing whatever he could to help others. Virgil and Mary were baptized in 1984 and were members of Walnut and Campbell Church of Christ.

In November of 2004, they moved to Nevada, Missouri, to be near their daughter and her husband. Virgil enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, working in the yard, flowers, music, playing cards, and his many "grand-dogs." Virgil was preceded in death by: his parents; wife, Mary; and brothers, Eddie and Wilbur.

He is survived by: his children, Randy Bruegger of Olathe, Steve Bruegger of Overland Park, Virginia Brister of Stafford, Paul Bruegger of Manhattan; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Thursday, June 8, 2017, at Elliott Chapel, Hutchinson, with Pastor Kenny Graham officiating. Graveside service will follow at 3 p.m. at Bushton Cemetery, Bushton, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 12 p.m. until service time Thursday at Elliott Mortuary.

Memorials are suggested to Kindred Hospice, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.