Virgil Fred Ziegler

Virgil Fred Ziegler, 90, passed away January 31, 2022, surrounded by family at the Bramlage House in Manhattan, Kansas.  Alta Vista lost one of their last good old guys that day. Virgil was born July 5, 1931, to John and Alice (Strom) Ziegler in the same house he lived his entire life. He graduated from Alta Vista High School in 1949. Virgil worked at the Alta Vista Post Office, drug store, Dierking Garage (which he and Perry Patterson later bought), and in the grocery business. He co-owned Pat and Virg’s IGA for many years, as well as working for other grocery store owners. He enjoyed helping his nephews with their businesses, The Store and McDiffett Service.  Virgil began mowing lawns with his nephews and continued mowing the cemetery and other lawns through last summer. He was on the Alta Vista cemetery board as well as serving as the cemetery sexton.

Virgil was truly one of a kind and a pillar in the community. He enjoyed spending time with nephews and nieces, always available to help them in any way. He enjoyed baseball, whether it be playing himself, watching his nephews play, watching the Royals, or attending K-State baseball games with family. He also enjoyed watching the Chiefs. Virgil was quite a bowler, playing in several leagues and even traveling to different states for bowling tournaments.  He enjoyed fishing and traveling with his nephews. He loved to watch Jeopardy and put together latch hooks.   He also enjoyed tinkering in the shop and gardening. Virgil was a wealth of information about the Alta Vista community, past and present, and loved the community he spent his life in. He liked to stay busy and was always willing to help others. He was a friend to all. 

Virgil was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Mary Lou (Edgar) Wainwright and Helen (Scott) McDiffett as well as nephews Scotty (Patti) McDiffett, Greg McDiffett and niece Linda McDiffett.

He is survived by his nephews David (Nancy) Wainwright of Lake Jackson, TX, Dennis Wainwright of Council Grove, Don (Tammy) Wainwright of Manhattan, Dale (Kris) Wainwright of Garden City, Darren (Deb) Wainwright of Tonganoxie, Dean (Brenda) Wainwright of Wichita, Mickey (Lori) McDiffett of Alta Vista; nieces Beverly Roeser of Manhattan and Deb McDiffett of Alta Vista, as well as many great nieces and nephews, family and friends.  

A graveside service will be held at the Alta Vista Cemetery on February 12 at 2:00pm. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alta Vista Senior Center.