Virgil Leonard Klaus

Virgil Leonard Klaus, 93, of Austin TX passed away peacefully on April 18, 2024 after having been visited by his family, close friends and longtime neighbors.

Virgil was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a longtime parishioner of Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church and the Great Club.

Virgil married Norma Lee Krenek of Taylor, TX in 1953. Norma’s parents were Paul and Herminia (Mikulec) Krenek of Taylor.

Virgil retired from Southern Union Gas after 35 years, holding several positions, including pipeline inspector. He served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1955. Virgil enjoyed his F-150s and Lincoln Towncars, but had a passion for tractors, having been raised on a farm and plowing with horses and mules. He participated in numerous tractor parades, and won many awards for the John Deere tractors he personally restored.

He often said that “if it's cheap, it ain’t good; and if it's good, it ain't cheap.” The old man was the original DIYer, handy, always willing to lend a hand, and still runnin' against the wind.

Virgil enjoyed family gatherings, holidays, traveling, casinos, card games, dominoes, Round Rock donuts, and especially backyard barbeques. But what he loved most was the company of his family, neighbors and friends. Virgil often said “come see me any time,” and “when are you coming back?” He truly valued “a little time and a few kind words.” Always one for conversation, Virgil maintained his quick wit and sense of humor until the very end.

Virgil was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, parents Fredrick and Anna (Prokschl) Klaus of Taylor TX, and grandparents Friedrich and Marie Klaus of Elgin TX, and all eight of his older siblings.

Virgil is survived by his four sons: Randy and wife Becky, Mark and wife Debbie, Steven and wife Julie, Kevin and wife Robin, and daughter Linda Kurio and husband Floyd; 14 grandchildren: Valerie, Krista, Randall, Derek, Jacqueline, Hannah, Heather, Skylyn, Jordan, Sydney, Jacob, Jeffrey, Wade and Katelyn; and 22 great-grandchildren: Addison, Megan, Andrew, Avery, Brooks, Kayleigh, Barrett, Kip, Skylar, Everett, Callahan, Bennie, Violet, Steely, Ryann, Baker, Emily, Abigail, Caleb, Emberlynn, Piper, Wyatt and another great grand on the way. He is also survived by numerous loving nieces and nephews.

And the old man said, "Don't take a single day for granted, love like there's no tomorrow, tend to the seeds you planted, be a good friend and brother, love your children and their mother.” And the old man said “love is the only thing that you’ll take with you when you're gone … be quick to forgive and slow to throw stones.” And the old man said "Don't be scared of death; it's only the beginning.”

The family will have a visitation for Virgil from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, with the interment to follow at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery.