Verlyn Dean Uhrig passed away Wednesday evening, May 11, 2022 with his loving wife, Sandy, by his side. Just shy of his 78th birthday, he was still an avid fisherman, starting each day with a rod in his hand. He was born to Ervin & Lucille (Stewart) Uhrig of McPherson on May 19, 1944. After graduating from McPherson High School, he attended two years at McPherson College completing his bachelor’s degree in Business at Emporia State University in the Spring of 1966. On June 12, 1966, after six years of courting, Verlyn married his first love, Sandra Lynn (Anderson). Shortly after their June wedding, Verlyn enlisted in the United States Air Force. He completed officer training in just 90 days, earning the title of Second Lieutenant. Their son, Shannon, was born while stationed in Glasgow, Montana in March 1968. The young family moved several times with different posts, his last post was at Ramey Air Force Base in Puerto Rico where they welcomed their daughter, Carrie Lynn in 1969. Puerto Rico would continue to hold a special place in their hearts with many family visits back to the area. Verlyn was a Vehicle Maintenance Officer for the entire base, managing a multimillion-dollar budget. This was a daunting task for the 22 year old having just graduated from college with a mind for numbers and mechanics. As an officer, he was required to pay dues and be a member of the Officer’s Club. He was disappointed to never have been able to afford to attend the Club’s formal functions. Focusing instead on the betterment of his family while in the service, Verlyn furthered his education attaining a master’s degree in Finance and a minor in Economics from Inter America University. Throughout his service, Verlyn achieved the rank of First Lieutenant and then Captain. After receiving an honorable discharge, the Uhrig family lived for many years in Hesston and there attended Whitestone Mennonite Church. Verlyn worked at Hesston Corp as a cost accountant for 11 years. In 1986, a new adventure began with opening their own business. For nearly thirty years, Verlyn and Sandy owned and operated Uhrig Home Furniture, a furniture and flooring retail store in Moundridge. Ever pursuing the elusive fish and lake lifestyle, they purchased a cabin at Marion County Lake in about 2000, moving there permanently three years later. Verlyn is remembered for his exceptionally kind heart and his willingness to lend a hand. He poured his love out in many ways, including sharing his love of fishing, mechanics, and construction through experience and teaching his children, grandchildren, and anyone who stood by him long enough to hear a story. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Lucille Uhrig, his aunt - Rhoda Myers and his brother in-law Dale Walkley. Verlyn is survived by his wife, Sandra L. (Anderson) Uhrig, of Marion; his children - Shannon & Marla (Boerstler) Uhrig of Wichita and Matthew & Carrie (Uhrig) Belshe of Moundridge; his grandchildren Simon, Zoey, Addison, Destry, Sienna, and Danika; his siblings - Ervin Dwayne Uhrig and wife Donna of Republic, Missouri, Phyllis and her husband, Larry (Dee) Scherich of McPherson, Myrla Walkley of Wichita, Janis Sigle and husband Larry of McPherson, Brenda Wilson and husband Royce of Harrisonville, Missouri and many nieces and nephews.
