CHRISTOPHER - Virgil Lee Schirmer, 72, passed away peacefully April 26, 2013, in Heartland Regional Medical Center of progressive supranuclear palsy. Virgil was born June 23, 1940, in Herrin Hospital to George Schirmer and Irene (Lewis) Schirmer of Mulkeytown. He married the late Patsy Baker of Christopher on July 24, 1959. Virgil was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service and retired after 36 years of service. In his younger years, Virgil was an active member of Jaycees and Masonic Lodge in Christopher. Virgil was a member of First Christian Church in Christopher and served in many capacities, most notably as a deacon and elder. Mr. Schirmer was preceded in death by his wife Pat, who passed in 2008; and his parents. He is survived by his daughters, Tina Fletcher (Martin), Cindy Kreider (Matt) and Trish Sherk (Jeff); and six grandchildren, Cassandra Hargraves, Kyle Hargraves, Jake Fletcher, Anna Mae Kreider, Emily Ruth Kreider and Luke Schirmer Kreider. He is also survived by his brother, Russell Schirmer (Joanne); and two nieces, Kelli Blaiser(Dale) and Kimbra Pistono(Jeff). Services will be at 5 p.m. today, April 28, in First Christian Church in Christopher, with the Rev. Jerry Akin officiating. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 p.m. today at the church. Private graveside services will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CurePSP at give.psp.org or Hospice of Southern Illinois, www.hospice.org/hospice-home/secure-donation, and will be accepted at the church. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on April 30, 2013