Virgil
Hammerschmidt, 65, a retired BNSF railroad employee, farmer, and tireless
volunteer throughout the community, passed away from a sudden heart attack on
February 3, 2010, at his home in Philipsburg, MT. A vigil service is scheduled
for 7:00 pm on Sunday, February 14 at St Margaret’s Catholic Church in Cut
Bank. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, February 15, at St
Margaret’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in the Crown Hill Cemetery.
Whitted Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the family
may be directed to www.whittedfuneralchapel.com.
Virgil is preceded in death by his wife, Christie, and his parents, Edward and Pauline Hammerschmidt. Virgil is survived by his sisters, Vivian An Appelhans & family of Hoxie, Kansas and Virginia Dinkel & family of Hays, Kansas; his brothers, Valerian Hammerschmidt of Hays, Kansas, Vernard Hammerschmidt of Mason, Tennessee, Verlin, Valeri, and Vernon Hammerschmidt & families, all of Victoria, Kansas; brothers-in-law Vernon Anderson & family of Shelby, MT., Robert Anderson & family of Seattle, WA., Joe Anderson & family of Helena, MT., & John & Vicki Nanini & family of Philipsburg, MT; Virgil’s many nieces and nephews; and all of his loving friends and family in Montana and Kansas.
Virgil was born in Hayes, Kansas on May 11, 1944 to Edward and Pauline (Braun) Hammerschmidt. Virgil attended school and spent his younger years in Victoria, Kansas and on a farm in Ellis County. It was through his large, loving family that Virgil developed a deep and never-ending passion for the Catholic faith. In 1966, Virgil decided to head north with Julius Pfeifer and his custom harvesting crew-where he truly found the love and passion for farming and ranching. Fate allowed Virgil to settle in Cut Bank, Montana and meet the love of his life, Christie Anderson. They were married on October 16, 1971 at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Cut Bank, MT. They made many friends and had numerous happy memories in their time together.
Virgil worked on the railroad for over 25 years and spent most of his free time helping out at the Pfeifer farm. He thoroughly enjoyed camping in Glacier Park, visiting family, and traveling with Christie. Together, they were extremely proud of their accomplishments in the AA program and encouraged others to do the same. Virgil was very saddened by the death of Christie in 2001, but he had many close friends and family to rely on. In his later years, Virgil was able to retire from the railroad and pursue his passions in life: farming, spending time with family, and volunteering at the Catholic Church, the Senior Citizens Center, the Food Bank, and any and everyone’s life’s he could make easier. Virgil was able to sense when people needed help and a smile put on their face. He would always provide a joke as he had many to choose from. Whatever anyone needed, Virgil always seemed to have just the thing on hand. One of the most admirable things about Virgil was that he found a way to take what he had in order to give someone else the world. Virgil was seen as a “gentle giant” by those who were blessed to know him. He never judged a person and treated everyone with the same kindness whether you were the Bishop or someone homeless he took in.
Virgil’s other favorite pastimes included adventures with his buddies John & Lyle, telling jokes, assigning nicknames, any type of project he came across, old movies, going to the fairs, collecting cans, collecting knickknacks pertaining to trains and farming, and most of all, spending time with his family. Virgil was a very proud employee of the St. Margaret Catholic Church in his later years and eventually retired from there in September, 2009. He decided to spend his retirement in Philipsburg, MT with his family, and so enjoyed his time over the years with Sean, Ryan, JJ, & Jenadee. Virgil truly found the peace he needed and met new and genuine friends in Philipsburg. He was able to pursue his passion of volunteering and for the Lord by getting involved at St. Philips Catholic Church.
Virgil was a person that taught us all a lot about ourselves and life and will truly be missed. Simply through his actions, Virgil displayed his sincere and selfless Christian character and got the most fulfillment out of his genuine love and passion to help others. The gift Virgil gave each of us by knowing him will continue to be passed on, as his life was an inspiration and testament to us all.
Virgil’s family suggests memorials be directed to St Margaret’s Catholic Church, the local food bank, the Gift of Life Housing, or the donor’s choice.