Virgil Schlueter

Virgil George Schlueter, 81, of rural Virginia, died Thursday, April 9, 2026, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

He was born January 11, 1945, in Rushville, the son of George John and Lavinia Jane (Jones) Schlueter. He married Gloria Brown on February 24, 1980, and she survives.

He is also survived by three children: Stephen Brown (fiancée Anne Lynn-Iberg) of Virginia, Tracy Black (husband Brian) of Hennepin, and John Schlueter (wife Shannon) of Beardstown; three grandchildren, John Karl Cooper, Emilee Marie Black, and Garrett Michael Black; along with extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Shelby Brown.

Virgil graduated from Beardstown High School as a member of the Class of 1963. He was born into and confirmed in the faith at St. John's Lutheran Church in Beardstown. He began his career working at the grain elevator in Florence before honorably serving in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. After returning home, he was employed by Logsdon Sand and Gravel and later built a 33-year career with BNSF Railroad, where he retired as a conductor. Virgil was a lifetime member of Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239, the Beardstown Lions Club, and an honorary member of the Bro Rider MC.

Virgil was a hardworking man who took great pride in providing for his family and the life they shared. He especially enjoyed time spent boating on the river in their pontoon boat, driving his tractor, and farming. Known as a social butterfly, Virgil never met a stranger and truly enjoyed visiting with others. He also loved dancing and cherished the time he and his wife spent together on the dance floor whenever they had the opportunity. Above all, his wife, children, and grandchildren were truly what he lived for.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown. Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Beardstown. The family will meet with friends from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services Saturday at the memorial home.

Memorials have been suggested to the Beardstown Lions Club and/or Guthrie-Pierce VFW Post #1239. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.