Ernest ViragErnest Virag
Ernest “Ernie” Virag, 75, of Smithfield died at 2:12 p.m. Jan. 12, 2007, at Graham Hospital emergency room in Canton.
He was born Oct. 7, 1931, in Chicago, a son of George Sr. and Mary Steinberger Virag. He married Patricia English on Nov. 16, 1974, in Smithfield. She survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Aaron of Smithfield, Joe (and Kristy) of Cuba and Daniel of East Peoria; one daughter, Rebecca (and Thomas) Cannon of Smithfield; and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father; his mother, Mary Mora; his stepfather, Ray Mora; and one brother.
He served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict.
He was a member of Smithfield Church of the Nazarene.
He retired in December 1997 after 28 years with Western Illinois University in Macomb as a grounds worker. He studied art in France in 1973, then attended Western Illinois University, studying art and history.
Services will be held Wednesday at his church with Rev. Layton Malone officiating. Burial will be in Baughman Cemetery in rural Smithfield with a military service conducted by Cuba American Legion Russell Smith Post #533. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba is in charge of arrangements.