Virgil E. Ronnebaum, 96, Axtell, died Monday, September 23, 3019 at the Nemaha Valley Hospital, Seneca.

Visitation is Wednesday, September 25 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, Axtell.

A rosary service will be 7 p.m., Wednesday at St. Michael's Catholic Church, Axtell. 

A funeral service will be 10 a.m., Thursday, September 26, at St. Michael's Catholic Church.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Virgil was born on May 23, 1923 to Joseph and Elizabeth (Reinecke) Ronnebaum near Baileyville, Kansas. He attended school at Baileyville. Virgil joined the army in August of 1944 and served until July of 1946.  He was united in marriage to Rozella Kuckelman on February 7, 1948. They celebrated 71 beautiful years of marriage together.

Virgil was a farmer all his life. In 1987, he passed on his responsibilities to his sons and moved off of the farm into town. Virgil was a part of many organizations. He was on the township board, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a member of the American Legion. He was an active member of St. Michael’s catholic church in Axtell. One of Virgil’s greatest passions was restoring Farmall tractors. He worked on or restored 60 tractors during his retirement.

Preceding him in death were his parents, daughters Marilyn (Doug) Friedrich and Arlene (Bob) West and siblings Evelyn, Agatha, Leonard, Joe and Kenny.

Survivors include children Gary (Deb) Ronnebaum, Axtell, Debby (Keith) Meyer, Bern, Sherry (Dave) Ronnebaum, Axtell, Rollie (Mary Jane) Ronnebaum, Axtell, Connie (Jerry) Broxterman, Vermillion and Lynn (Dawn) Ronnebaum, Axtell along with 18 grandchildren and 39 great grandchildren.

A memorial fund is established and will be designated later.  Contributions may be sent in care of Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home.