A philosopher, scholar, carpenter, chef, gardener, and loving husband, father, and grandfather, Michael Vincent Vengrin, 82, of Christiansburg, passed away peacefully at the home he built himself surrounded by his family on Dec. 9, 2023.
He was born on July 4, 1941, in Clarksburg, W.Va., to Joseph and Catherine Vengrin. Michael was the first in his family to attend college, attending West Virginia University, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. Michael was a Professor at Radford University, teaching in the Philosophy Department until 1996, when he retired with the distinction and honor of Professor Emeritus. As a man who could not sit idle, he then earned his contractor’s license and opened Mill Creek Construction, operating it until his second retirement in 2013. He continued an active life in retirement, taking up running at the age of 71 and completing several 5K and 10K races. He loved caring for his garden and orchard, traveling, hiking and biking with his wife, and was equally devoted to helping others by volunteering with the Wesley Foundation at Radford University, serving on its board, and contributing his time to Bethel United Methodist Church and the Old Brick Presbyterian Food Bank. Michael was preceded in death by his father and mother, Joseph and Catherine Vengrin; and sister, Joan Yoho.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jean Vengrin; son and daughter-in-law, Joel Vengrin and Liz Lauck; daughter, Allison Vengrin; daughter and son-in-law, Courtney Vengrin and Stephen Kelley; grandchildren Charlotte and Miles Vengrin; brother and sister-in-law, Joseph Edward (Eddy) and Loretta Vengrin; and numerous extended family and loved ones.
A private family burial will be held with a celebration of life to follow on Dec. 28, 2023, 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his memory to Old Brick Presbyterian Food Bank, PO Box 323,. Radford, VA, 24143, the Wesley Foundation at Radford University, 1022 Downey St, Radford, VA, 24141, or the Montgomery County Humane Society, 1183 Flanagan Dr, Christiansburg, VA, 24073.
The Vengrin family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home & Crematory in Radford.
