Allyn R. Virkler

CROGHAN- Allyn R. ‘Uncle Al’ Virkler, just twelve hours shy of 83, of Croghan, NY, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving family at the Virkler Farm where he had lived since birth.

Born November 4th, 1940, Allyn was the youngest son of Abner Joseph and Lydia Belle Farney Virkler. He was the third son, and final child born to the pair, following his identical twin brothers, Rod & Ron, of whom all were well-behaved neighborhood scamps.  When he was 16, his brother & sister-in-law, Rodney & Carolyn Virkler moved in to help take care of him and his mother, after the death of his father. He loved his brothers a great deal, and, as he outlived them, he helped the family carry on in their absence.

Allyn was a lifelong bachelor who maintained an easy-going disposition throughout life. During the early 60’s, he was employed with the NYS Power Authority. He proudly served in the Army, assigned to Co. E of the 2nd Training Regiment at Fort Dix, NJ from 1963 to 1965, spending some of his service time in Vietnam. Until the day of his passing, he kept a list of the names of his closest Army friends he served with, having never forgotten that comradery. From 1965 to 1968, he was employed at his cousin Nile Farney Sr.'s saw mill on the Brewery Road, Croghan, NY. In 1970, he became employed at the JP Lewis Paper Mill where he worked until 1980. In 1984, he started work at Beaver River Central School as a custodian in the Physical Education wing where he worked until his retirement.

In the 60’s, Al enjoyed his brothers’ stock car racing, as they ran a Ford Coup #6-15, driven by Robert “Bruddy” Kirshner. During the 80’s, Al traveled with his nephew-in-law, John Campany, and Galen Roggie who raced top alcohol dragster. Allyn, along with his friends ‘Bruddy’ and Danny Ritz, often attended racing events in the northeast. Till his death, Allyn subscribed to and regularly read over his racing news magazines.

Throughout his life on the family farm, he helped his brother and family with labors, through hurdles, and reveled in the shenanigans of farm life. He enjoyed hunting with his neighbors, including Perry Steria and Bob Bruce, as well as going up to hunting camp with his friend Chucky Edick and his family. Al maintained his membership with the VFW, Croghan American Legion, NRA, the Lowville Fish & Game, and the Harrisville Rod & Gun Clubs. For years he shot trap at home on the farm with family members and with the Northern Tier Trap League.

To all of the family, and many friends whose company he enjoyed over the years, he was, and always will be, our ‘Uncle Al’. The memories of him working on the farm, sugaring, and his ever-present form at the kitchen table (drinking coffee, calm and steadfast) will stay with those that survive him. Al was someone who one sought out for chit-chat and advice, sometimes given very freely if he felt you needed it, other times just whispered his entertaining observations. He was a man constantly at work, and whose duty to love his people in a quiet, joyful way was found in raising chickens tending garden and growing pumpkins for the kids.

He is survived by his sister-in-law Carolyn Yousey Virkler (Rodney) and her children Charmaine (John) Campany, Risë (Jeffery) Roose, Casandra (Brian) Lyndaker, Rochelle (Rich) Lagree.

Along with his nieces he possessed numerous special grand nieces and nephews, who were gathered at his side in his last days caring for and seeing him through his passing: Adriana (William Clark) & Blaine Elizabeth Campany; Elaine, Spencer (Laura), & Mitchell Roose; Colin, Caleb, Rodney, & Lydia Lagree. Along with others who, while not present, surely sent their love and sympathies.

He is also survived by niece Cherie Turck, grandnieces and grandnephews: Bobbi Jo, Ronald, Patrick, and Barbara Turck; Paige, Brooke, and Colt Lyndaker. A nephew Ronald C. Virkler predeceased him.

The family would like to extend a big thank you to Hospice & Linette Virkler Bush for their efforts in making sure he was cared for, comfortable, and felt the love of his people, all the way to the end.

Calling hours are from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday November 7, 2023 at Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., 5702 Waters Road, Lowville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday November 8, at the funeral home with the Ministers of the Apostolic Christian Church of America, Lowville, officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery.  A luncheon at Croghan American Legion will immediately follow the burial, all are welcome.  Any food donations may be taken directly to the Croghan American Legion on Wednesday morning.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Caring Friends of the Community, P.O. Box 712, Croghan, N.Y. 13327.

Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.