IN MEMORIAM
EXPANDED EULOGIES
Verlyn Uhrig
A celebration of life for Verlyn Dean Uhrig, who passed away Wednesday evening, May 11, 2022, with his loving wife, Sandy, by his side, was 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Glidden Funeral Home, McPherson.
A meal followed at the Opera Block, 101 S. Christian Ave, Moundridge.
The family was available for visitation from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the funeral home.
Just shy of his 78th birthday, he was still an avid fisherman, starting each day with a rod in his hand.
Verlyn was born May 19, 1944, to Ervin and Lucille (Stewart) Uhrig of McPherson.
After graduating from McPherson High School, he attended two years at McPherson College and completed his bachelor’s degree in business in the spring of 1966 at Emporia State University.
On June 12, 1966, after six years of courting, Verlyn married his first love, Sandra Lynn (Anderson). Shortly after their June wedding, Verlyn enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He completed officer training in just 90 days, earning the title of second lieutenant.
Their son, Shannon, was born in March, 1968, while they were stationed in Glasgow, Montana.
The young family moved several times to different posts, his last post at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico, where they welcomed their daughter, Carrie Lynn, in 1969.
Puerto Rico would continue to hold a special place in their hearts with many family visits back to the area.
Verlyn was a vehicle maintenance officer for the entire base, managing a multimillion-dollar budget. This was a daunting task for the 22-year-old, having just graduated from college with a mind for numbers and mechanics.
As an officer, he was required to pay dues and be a member of the Officers Club.
He was disappointed to never have been able to afford to attend the club’s formal functions. Focusing instead on the betterment of his family while in the service, Verlyn furthered his education, attaining a master’s degree in finance and a minor in economics from Inter America University.
Throughout his service, Verlyn achieved the ranks of first lieutenant and then captain. After receiving an honorable discharge, the Uhrig family lived for many years in Hesston and there attended Whitestone Mennonite Church.
Verlyn worked at Hesston Corp. as a cost accountant for 11 years. In 1986, a new adventure began when the couple opened their own business.
For nearly 30 years, Verlyn and Sandy owned and operated Uhrig Home Furniture, a furniture and flooring retail store in Moundridge.
Ever pursuing the elusive fish and lake lifestyle, they purchased a cabin at Marion County Lake in about 2000. They moved there permanently three years later.
Verlyn is remembered for his exceptionally kind heart and his willingness to lend a hand. He poured his love out in many ways, including sharing his love of fishing, mechanics, and construction through experience and teaching his children, grandchildren, and anyone who stood by him long enough to hear a story.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Lucille Uhrig; his aunt, Rhoda Myers; and his brother-in-law, Dale Walkley.
Survivors include wife Sandra L. (Anderson) Uhrig of Marion; children Shannon and Marla (Boerstler) Uhrig of Wichita and Matthew and Carrie (Uhrig) Belshe of Moundridge; grandchildren Simon, Zoey, Addison, Destry, Sienna, and Danika; siblings Ervin Dwayne Uhrig and wife Donna of Republic, Missouri; Phyllis and husband Larry Scherich of McPherson, Myrla Walkley of Wichita, Janis Sigle and husband Larry of McPherson, Brenda Wilson and husband Royce of Harrisonville, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions can be given to the Verlyn Uhrig Memorial Fund via Glidden Funeral Home, 222 W Euclid St, McPherson KS 67460.