Theodore B. "Ted" Virkler Jr.

CROGHAN-Theodore “Ted” B. Virkler Jr., 85, longtime resident of Kirschnerville Road, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving wife and family on Monday, March 10, 2025.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mathilda Mae; four children, Timothy B. Virkler of Castorland, Noel E. (Kendra) Virkler of Croghan, Paul D. (Marcy) Virkler of Croghan, and Renata M. (John L.) Dawson V of Trumansburg, NY; four grandchildren, John L. Dawson VI of Trumansburg, Easton L. Dawson of Trumansburg, Nathan P. Virkler of Croghan, and Isaiah N. Virkler of Croghan; three sisters, Arlene “Nin” Grau of Croghan, Regina “Jeanie” Herzig of Castorland, Norma (Melvin T.) Zehr of Lowville; two brothers, Nathaniel J. (Sheila) Virkler of Lowville, and Kendall (Marlene) Virkler of Lowville; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Emily B. Virkler and a sister, Rita Belle Petzoldt.

Ted was born at Idle-Ease in Croghan, Town of New Bremen, on June 9, 1939, the oldest son of the late Theodore B. Sr. and Amelia Belle Farney Virkler.  He attended country school at New Bremen District #3 through the fourth grade before transferring to Beaver River Central School, graduating in 1957.  Ted worked on the family farm until his enlistment in the United States Army on February 23, 1958.  He was sent to Fort Hood, Texas with the 2nd Armored Division, named “Hell on Wheels”, for basic and advanced basic training.  In September of 1958, he was stationed in Germany, remaining there for 17 months and joining the 3rd Armored Division named “Spearhead”.  These were armor infantry outfits with tank back-up.  While in Germany with the United States Army, he enjoyed two three-day trips to Paris and Switzerland arranged through American-Express tours.  After his tour in Germany and eight days on the Atlantic Ocean, he arrived in Brooklyn, NY and spent three years in the reserves at Fort Drum before his honorable discharge. 

On October 8, 1967, Ted married the love of his life, Mathilda Mae Graves, a daughter of Floyd C. and Loretta H. Farney Graves, at the Croghan-Naumburg Apostolic Christian Church in Croghan with John J. Widrick officiating.  This day was the same day his mother and father were married 36 years before.  The couple settled in Lowville for a short time before purchasing property from his in-laws and building a home near the Graves farm, moving in on February 23, 1969.  Ted worked at AMF for 40 years retiring on October 30th, 2004. 

Ted was a long-time member of the Croghan-Naumburg Apostolic Church of America in Croghan, having been baptized on January 30, 1963.  He taught Sunday School and was the church treasurer for many years.

He enjoyed people, children, spending time with his family and grandsons, collecting coins and matchbooks, cutting wood, gardening, bird watching, collecting scale model tractor trailer trucks, watching trains, reading, and singing.  In his younger years Ted was an avid hunter, having killed 250 woodchucks in 1964. 

The funeral will be held on Saturday March 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Croghan-Naumburg Apostolic Christian Church of America, Croghan, with ministers from the church officiating.  Calling hours will be on Friday March 14, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Iseneker Funeral Home, 5702 Waters Road, Lowville.  Burial will be in the church cemetery. A luncheon will follow the burial at the church fellowship hall, all are welcome.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Croghan-Naumburg Apostolic Christian Church of America Memorial Fund at PO Box 28, Beaver Falls, NY 13305.

Condolences may be made to Ted’s family online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com.

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