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

Robert Virnig

April 02, 1944 - March 25, 2026

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