Betty M. Virnig

MCFARLAND – Betty B. Virnig joined her beloved husband, Jim, in heaven on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2006. Betty was born on Nov. 7, 1923, to Ed and Anita (Voss) Bryant in Lodi. Betty graduated from Lodi High School, went on to school and graduated as a Registered Nurse and worked in Chicago. She moved back to Madison and worked at Methodist Hospital. She switched careers and worked as a bookkeeper for Capital Sand and Gravel then Fedele Tire Service until she and her husband started their own business, “Virnig Refinishing and Upholstery”, which they operated until about two years ago. Betty did a beautiful, meticulous job of upholstering; those that knew her knew she could do any task she put her mind to. Friends knew her for her quick whit and ability to make people laugh. She was also very proud that in her youth she was a Columbia County Spelling Bee Champion and until about a year ago she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles in ink. Betty also had a great love for cats and dogs, in fact all animals taking in more than she could afford. Those that knew, understood and loved Betty knew that she was a gift from God and she did the best she could. We all learned valuable lessons from her. None of us 11 kids, would be who we are today without her in our lives. Betty is survived by Carolyn (Ralph) Walser, of Portage, Bonnie (Bob) Stevens, of DeForest, Nancy (Toby) Nykl, of Madison, Thomas (Susan) Nykl, of Amherst, and Liz (John) Moriarty; step-children, Alan (Marcia) Virnig, of Windsor, Margie (Marty) Olson, of San Antonio, Texas, Dennis (Kathy)Virnig, of Waunakee, Lora (Charles) Kampschoer, of Bollingbrook, Ill., and David (Pat) Virnig, of Waunakee; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim; her parents; a brother, Aaron (Jean) Bryant, of Whitewater; her daughter, Mary (Randy) Mayer, of Minn.; a granddaughter, Christine Walser; and Betty’s first husband, Robert Nykl. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. ANN CATHOLIC CHURCH, Stoughton, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007 at 11 a.m. with Msgr. Gerard Healy officiating. Private family burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Friends may call at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Mom, at times you really had to struggle on earth, we pray you find peace in heaven. We will always remember you and truly love you.