CROGHAN, NY – Lowell Richard Virkler, 86, formerly of Steeple View apartments passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017, at the Lewis County Residential Healthcare Facility with his family by his side.

Lowell was born in Watson, NY, on June 21, 1931, a son of the late Sidney F. and Sarah Mellnitz Virkler and graduated from Lowville Academy in 1949. He married Celia R. Beck on September 5, 1953, in Castorland, NY. Lowell and Celia owned and operated a dairy farm on the Kirschnerville Road in Croghan, NY for many years. Lowell loved his time on the farm, at the creek and in the fields. After turning over the family farm to his son Loren, he continued to work on the farm as well as hauling pulp wood and driving school bus for Beaver River Central School. Lowell and Celia enjoyed spending time at their camp on Lake Bonaparte. He spent many hours teaching the grandchildren how to water ski and giving boat rides.  He also truly enjoyed spending time in the sugar bush woods.  His wife, children, grandchildren and friends worked alongside him in the sugar bush, harvesting the annual syrup crop and many memories.

In his later years, he was a very active member of the Lowville-Beaver River Railroad Historical Society of Northern New York.

Lowell was a faithful member of the Croghan Apostolic Christian Church. He lived a life of faith, loved the Lord and "fought a good fight" to the end.  His wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will forever cherish the many memories they have of him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Celia (Beck) Virkler, his daughters, Linda (Floyd Jr.) Graves of Croghan, NY and Linette (Joseph) Bush of Lowville, NY; his grandchildren: Holly (Joseph) Aucter, Hope Graves, Brian (Danielle) Graves, Buffy (Kevin) Pelo, Bradley (Bryn) Virkler, Jay Virkler, Daniel Virkler, Ambrose (Alyssa) Bush and Amos (Racheal) Bush as well as several beloved great grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lois Virkler. He was predeceased by his son Loren Virkler, on December 28, 2012; two brothers, Clyde Virkler, Howard (Pernal) Virkler and infant sister, Gladys.

Funeral services will be at the Apostolic Christian Church in Croghan, NY on Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 11:00 A.M. with ministers of the church officiating, A committal service for Lowell R. Virkler will be on Saturday, May 19th, at 2:30 P.M. at the Croghan Apostolic Christian Church Cemetery .

Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church of America, please mail to Ted Virkler, Treasurer, 7072 Kirschnerville Road, Croghan, NY 13327.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Shirley Tuttle-Malone as well as the wonderful staff who cared for him on the second floor of the Lewis County Residential Health Care Facility.