Robert Virnig

Robert Virnig

April 02, 1944 - March 25, 2026

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Obituary

CROSS PLAINS - Robert Charles Virnig, age 81, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. He was born to Raymond and Loretta (Schneeweis) Virnig and lived in Cross Plains his whole life. On May 3, 1969, Robert married Ardis Simpson, the daughter of Roscoe and Helen (Pertzborn) Simpson.


Robert attended high school at Middleton, graduating in 1963. He then went on to MATC, earning an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences in Mechanical Design Technology in 1965. Robert served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1965 to 1971. He worked at Gisholt Machine Co. for five years as a senior draftsman and at Oscar Mayer for 30 years as a Production Mechanic, retiring on May 18, 2001.


Robert was a talented craftsman with a sharp mathematical mind. He designed and built his own home and furniture, and he was generous in sharing his woodworking skills and talents with others. In retirement, he made picture frames for an art gallery in Madison and volunteered his skills with many organizations. He also enjoyed traveling to national parks throughout the US. Many people who met Robert were gifted one of his challenging wooden puzzles- something he loved making as a playful way to tease others.


Survivors include his wife, Ardis; daughter, Marianne (Tom) Gernetzke; sons, Joe Virnig and Bill (Christine) Virnig; brothers, Paul (Eunice) Virnig and Edward (Patty) Virnig; sisters, Barbara (Jim) Jensen and Rita (James) Daniels; sister-in-law, Jean (Ronald) Virnig; six grandchildren, John, Mark, Rachel and Samantha Virnig, and Michael and Norah Gernetzke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Loretta Virnig; brother, Ronald Virnig; and a grandchild, Eric Virnig.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, with Father Grant Thies presiding. Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon will follow the Mass at the church on Saturday. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.


Memorials may be made in Robert’s name to Dane County Parks Foundation (foundationfordanecountyparks.org/donate). Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care
2421 Church St.
(608) 798-3141


Events

11
Visitation
Sat Apr 11, 2026 @ 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church • 2947 Thinnes St, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions
11
Mass of Christian Burial
Sat Apr 11, 2026 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church • 2947 Thinnes St, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions
11
Graveside Service
Sat Apr 11, 2026 @ 12:15 PM - 12:30 PM CDT
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery • 2947 Thinnes St, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions
11
Luncheon After Burial
Sat Apr 11, 2026 @ 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM CDT
St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church • 2947 Thinnes St, Cross Plains, WI 53528
Get Directions

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Memories

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AV
A Memorial Tree was planted for Robert Charles "Bob" Virnig
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Cross Plains
LD
Larry Dobie
Other •
I had the pleasure and honor to work with Bob at OM for many years. Knowledgeable mechanic who got along with everybody. He was a regular with the OM mechanic’s lunch at Murphy’s every month where I learned of his military service and tried unsuccessfully to get him to sign up for a Badger Honor Flight. Thank you for your service old friend and RIP. 🇺🇸👍
ER
Ellen Richardson
Other •
I only met Bob a few times and knew him mostly as “Joe’s Dad”. I enjoyed and admired seeing him take his regular morning walk through Cross Plains; his example with his commitment to (I am assuming) good health was one I noticed and thought about often. A couple of times we stopped to talk, and he reached into his pocket and gave me a small wooden puzzle, which was very sweet. (You had to be careful though because it was hard not to let him give you a puzzle every time he saw you!) By far the biggest impact Bob had on my life though was through his son Joe, who led our son’s Cub Scout Den and later the Boy Scout Troop. All I can say is that Bob and Ardis must have been great examples and done an especially good job as parents. I believe it’s through our role as parents that we can have the biggest impact on the community and future. I think Bob’s family can be very proud of the legacy he left behind.
EF
Eric Fleming
Other •
Ardis and family, our prayers and condolences on the passing of Bob. He was a supporter of our thrift stores and we are grateful for his creativity, volunteerism, and love for the community. May the perpetual light shine upon him and may he rest in peace. With gratitude for a life well lived. -Eric Fleming and everyone at St. Vincent de Paul - Madison - Dane County.
SJ
Sandy, James, and Julie
Other •
With deepest sympathy
J
John
Other •
I first met Bob while I served as a gallery assistant at Grace Chosy Gallery in Madison. Part of my duties included the framing of various pieces of art. Those frames were often Bob's. I marveled at how beautifully they were constructed. The perfect mitered corners. The soft, smooth sanding. I considered those frames another aspect to the lovely art I was working with. I have some of Bob's frames on my own walls. I also knew Bob from watching Ironman Wisconsin. Each year I migrated to Bourbon Rd where one year, out of the blue Bob showed up. We reconnected immediately. I was touched he remembered me after many years. Every year I looked forward to seeing him as he critiqued the participants passing by. It was wonderful knowing him in two completely different contexts and to share two important aspects of my life. I will miss seeing him at Ironman this year. But I suspect his spirit will still be meandering about as I sit and watch. JJD

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