Loretta R. Virnig, age 99, of Cross Plains, WI, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, February 3, 2010. She was born on May 11, 1910, in Marshfield, WI to Edward and Mary (nee Treml) Schneeweis. On September 24, 1940, she married Raymond M. Virnig in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Cross Plains and they were inseparable for more than 69 years. Loretta was a loving mother and devoted wife, who enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, cooking and baking for her family, knitting and reading. Her family was the focal point of her life.

She is mourned by her husband; children Paul (Eunice), DeForest, Robert (Ardis) and Barbara (James) Jensen, both of Cross Plains, Edward (Patricia), Brookfield, and Rita (James) Daniels, Sioux Falls, SD; daughter-in-law Jean Virnig, Fort Atkinson; grandchildren Gregory, Katherine Marie, Matthew, Krista, Joseph (Kathryn) William (Christine), Christopher and Katherine Anne Virnig, Marianne (Thomas) Gernetzke, Timothy, David and Kenneth (Allie) Jensen, Douglas and Craig (Jennifer) Daniels and Jennifer Christensen; great grandchildren Sydnie, Aidan, Ella and Nathan Daniels, Haley, Bergen and Brek Christensen, Emilia Jensen, Michael and Norah Gernetzke and Syndra, John, Mark, Rachel and Samantha Virnig; sister-in-law Luella Virnig; brother John (Betty) Schneeweis and many nephews, nieces and friends.

She was preceded in death by her son Ronald, a sister Margaret (Arthur) Fisher, and an infant great grandson Eric Virnig.

The family thanks the staff of Heartland Country Village, Black Earth, for their loving care of Loretta for the past 21 months and thanks Father Thomas Kelley and Sister John Rose Acker of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8 2010, with Father Thomas L. Kelley presiding. Visitation will be at the Church on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be immediately following in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Friends may wish to remember Loretta by donating to the St. Francis Xavier School Endowment Fund.