Virgil Gerald Burhenn, 90, passed away June 3, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Great Bend, Kansas. He was born on September 15, 1934, in Stafford County, Kansas, to Paul and Bertha (Langrehr) Burhenn. On November 23, 1953, he married Beverly Courson in Great Bend.
Virgil was a farmer and stockman. He grew up in the farmhouse he was born, and farmed there until he retired, moving to Great Bend in 2008. Virgil was very athletic – having spent time water skiing, bowling, and playing baseball, including semi-professionally – and was an avid sports lover. He served our country with time spent in the United States Army National Guard. Virgil was a member of First Christian Church and former member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles #646. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his devoted and loving wife of the home; two sons, Phillip Burhenn of Great Bend, and Paul Burhenn and fiancé Mercy Causing of Great Bend; daughter, Gayle Fanshier and husband Roger of Seward; twelve grandchildren, Denton Burhenn, Ben Fanshier, Travis Burhenn, Andrew Fanshier, Jacob Fanshier, Trenton Burhenn, Brock Lawrence, Alisha Mawhirter, Shelby Stites, Trai Burhenn, Justin Burhenn, and Gauge Burhenn; twenty great grandchildren; and many cousins and loved ones.
He is preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Evelyn Schartz, Louella Schwager, and Flossie Dewey; and two brothers, Irvin Burhenn and Vernon Burhenn.