Alton A. Virkler

LOWVILLE- A graveside service for Alton A. Virkler, 92, of Tillman Road, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 21, 2025 at the First Mennonite Cemetery of New Bremen.  Alton passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home.  Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville.

LOWVILLE- Alton A. Virkler, 92, of Tillman Road, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at his home.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 65 years, Geneva; three children, Sheri (Stephen) Flynn of Rochester, NY, Dale (Caroline) Virkler of Lowville, and Karla (Terry) Slabach of Goshen, IN; seven grandchildren, Zachary and Gregory Virkler, Amanda, Colin, and Dylan Flynn, and Katie and Nathan Slabach; two sisters-in-law, Etta Virkler and Joyce Purvines Virkler Rice; his Lehman family, and nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by a son, Kurt Alton Virkler on June 20, 1967; and two brothers, Elwood and Carl Virkler.

Alton was born in Croghan on March 26, 1932, a son of the late L. Arthur and Pernal S. Farney Virkler. He attended Rural School in New Bremen before attending Lowville Academy. After attending school, Alton worked on the family farm, then enlisted in the United States Army for two years. Following his discharge, he worked for his uncle Gerald Farney at the Farney Motor Company in Croghan, drove a wood pulp truck for Ralph (Bub) Hall, and also worked on the family farm.

On September 5, 1959 he married Geneva Lehman at Beaver Falls EUB Church. The couple moved to the family farm on the Snell Road, purchasing it on January 1, 1962. Together, they operated the farm for 32 years, earning the Century Farm award in 1990. Alton retired from farming in 1994 and sold the farm to David and Kim Gracey. The same year, he and Geneva built their home on the Tillman Road and Alton began working part-time for the Lowville Farmers Co-Op.

Alton was an avid road cyclist, beginning just before he sold the farm. He could often be seen wearing his neon jacket during his daily ride on local roads, and on weekends, he would ride longer distances including round trip rides to Boonville, Barnes Corners, and Watertown. Alton participated in two five-day rides around the Finger Lakes, raising funds for Mennonite Central Committee as well as two local rides to raise funds for the MCC Meat Canner operation. He cycled until he was 90. From retirement until near that age, he rode 1,000 to 4,500 miles across cycling seasons, typically riding a minimum of 100 miles each week.

Alton always looked forward traveling with Geneva as they explored the United States together or with dear friends. Some of his favorite trips were to Alaska, the Canadian Rockies and Calgary Stampede, and an extensive trip exploring several national parks he and Geneva enjoyed to celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary.

Though he found great pleasure in cycling and traveling, Alton had several other experiences that brought him joy in helping and visiting with others. He served in Mennonite Disaster Service with Geneva, using his carpentry and handyman skills to improve the living conditions of many in Oklahoma, Michigan, West Virginia, South Carolina, and several areas within New York. Alton also spent a great deal of time repairing and refinishing household items for others. His woodworking and refinishing skills were appreciated by many who visited with him as he repaired their items.

Calling hours will be from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the First Mennonite Church, New Bremen. The funeral will be at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the church with Pastor Ed Steckly officiating.  Burial will be in the spring in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alton’s name may be made to the Adirondack Mennonite Heritage Association, P.O. Box 368 Croghan, NY 13327 or to the Mennonite Disaster Service, P.O. Box 546, Lowville, NY 13367. Arrangements are with Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc., Lowville. Condolences may be made online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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