Nachtigal, P. F. Virgil (1927-2009)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 2009 Jul 6 p. 9

Birth date: 1927 Jan 27

text of obituary:

VIRGIL NACHTIGAL

P. F. Virgil Junior Nachtigal died June 19, 2009, at Newton (Kan.) Medical Center. He was born Jan. 27, 1927, to Peter and Agatha (Wiens) Nachtigal at Bethel Hospital in Newton.

He was baptized in his youth at First Mennonite Church, Newton. He was married March 17, 1950, to Viola Mae Woelk at Goessel Mennonite Church.

He and his little brother Harry grew up on a farm near Buhler until the age of 6, when his family moved to Newton. He acquired his love of gardening from his mother. Growing up near Sand Creek, he also acquired his love of fishing. Over the past year he watched with interest the Sand Creek improvement project from his home near the creek, where he lived for 59 years.

His life work was as a printer in Newton for more than 50 years, mainly for Herald Book & Printing and United Printing. For more than 20 years in the era of letterpress printing, he made up the pages of Mennonite Weekly Review, using cast metal type.

He was a major blood donor to the American Red Cross. He was given an achievement award for donating more than 100 gallons.

He was an avid fan of NASCAR and of driver Jeff Gordon. He also was a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and University of Kansas basketball.

Survivors include his wife, Viola; a daughter, Becky Davidson and her husband, Bob, of Newton; two sons, Kelly Nachtigal and his wife, Gale, of Newton and Lonny Nachtigal of Melbourne, Fla.; a brother, Harry Nachtigal and his wife, Emily, of Hutchinson; stepmother-in-law Ruth Schmidt of North Newton; two step-granddaughters and five step-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Randyln (Randy), at the age of 14.

Memorial services were held at First Mennonite Church, Newton. Burial was in Greenwood Cemetery of Newton.