MADISON - Judith Ann Virnig, age 80, of Madison, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, Nov. 14, 2022. She was born on Jan. 12, 1942, in Madison to Bennie and Rose (Riphan) Thuesen.

Judy grew up in Madison and graduated from East High School. She married Leroy Virnig on June 24, 1961, her devoted husband for 59 years. Judy worked as a beloved daycare provider for 29 years. Before that, she worked at First Wisconsin Bank, in the cafeteria at LaFollette High School and also volunteered her time at the St. Mary’s Hospital gift shop with her sister, Donna.

Judy loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She lit up when she was around her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Judy enjoyed the many vacations she took with Leroy, especially their annual trips to Door County with family. The holidays were Judy’s favorite. She loved decorating her house for them, especially setting up her treasured Christmas village scene. Traditions of cookie baking and celebrating with family brought her great joy. Judy was very involved with her apartment community, including planning events, socializing with her friends and exercising. She loved doing all kinds of puzzles, especially the cryptoquote puzzles, watching the Hallmark Channel and the Game Show Network.

Judy is survived by her daughters, Christine (Rico) Carlson, Debra (Paul) Blair and Kathleen "Kathy" (Joe) Gillitzer; six grandchildren, Holly (Greg) Mair, Erica Carlson, Brooke (Garrett Nelson) Gillitzer, Tony Gillitzer, Zach (Hillary) Blair and Clay (Rosa) Blair; six great-grandchildren, Finley Mair, Everly Mair, Lorelei Jensen, Kendyll Blair, Landon Blair and Wyatt Blair; sister, Patricia Doran; sisters-in-law, Joanne Thuesen, Beverly Kneebone, Janet (Don) Spilde and Karen (Bill) Anderson; and brothers-in-law, Raymond Virnig and James (Sue) Virnig; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and good friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leroy; her parents, Rose and Bennie Thuesen; in-laws, Lucille and Martin Virnig; sister, Donna (Lloyd) Perry; brother, John Thuesen; sister, Rose Marie (Ernest) Haensgen; brothers-in-law, Bob Doran and Stan Woods; and sister-in-law, Darlene Virnig.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the many family and friends that have reached out to us, and also Megan, Melissa, and all the staff at Agrace HospiceCare.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022.

Memorials may be made to Agrace HospiceCare, UW Carbone Cancer Center and the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420

Judith Ann Virnig

January 12, 1942 - November 14, 2022

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