Virgil W. Purkel

My grandpa was awesome.  He taught all of his grandkids the art of gardening and was eager to teach us anything.  We followed him anywhere, like ducks in a row sometimes!  He took us anywhere he was going and we always knew we were welcome to tag along.  He just loved to be with his family no matter what we were doing.  He picked us all up from school every day and went to every school function we had.  He was always there.  I will always remember our family dinners.  We had them every week, and usually several times a week.  My grandma never could cook "small" so sometimes when my mom or dad would get there to pick us up, we would just stay for dinner.  His gardens were amazing. And he didn't keep just one, he usually had 5 or 6 going at one time.  He spread them across all of his kid's yards and spend everyday going from garden to garden to pull weeds and water them. It may have sounded like a lot of work, but we loved every minute of it!  Most of all, I will never forget how much he loved my grandma Dorothy and how much he loved all of us, and knew he was loved as well.  My grandma Dorothy passed away before I was married or my kids were born and I am grateful he got to see those live events and will fill her in on everything that has happened since she left us for Heaven.  I love you grandpa, give a hug to grandma for me and I will see you again someday.  

Love, Julie 

Virgil was my father in law, but he was a dad to me. He was genuine, friendly, well liked, and had a kind  word for everyone he met. He loved spending time with his family. All of us would drop by to see what he and Dorothy were up to several times a week. We got together for dinner every holiday and most weekends. He enjoyed gardening and would spend hours in his back yard tending to his tomatoes. He loved it when one of the grandkids would join him in the garden and he could teach them. Dorothy taught me how to can and freeze vegetables, make jelly, and be a good cook and mom. At Christmas, we were always together. He loved waching the little ones open their presents. His favorite gifts were often watches and gadgets, like high powered flashlights. I miss you and feel blessed to be a part of this family.