Virgil Gerald Burhenn, 90, passed away June 3, 2025, surrounded by family at his home in Great Bend, Kan. He was born on Sept. 15, 1934, in Stafford County, Kan., to Paul and Bertha (Langrehr) Burhenn. On Nov. 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; 12 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; 20 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.

Visitation will be held from noon to 8 p.m., Thursday, June 5, 2025, with family receiving friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., all at Bryant Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2025, at Bryant Funeral Home with Chaplain Nathan Rush presiding. Interment will follow at Eden Valley Cemetery in Seward. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been designated to USD 350 Athletics (to benefits St. John athletics) or Eden Valley Cemetery Association, in care of Bryant Funeral Home, 1425 Patton Rd., Great Bend, KS 67530. Condolences may be sent and notice viewed at www.bryantfh.net.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Bryant Funeral Home

1425 Patton Road

Great Bend, KS  67530

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, June 5, 2025