Virginia Spoerl

Spoerl, Virginia Agnes MADISON - Virginia Agnes Spoerl found rest in the hands of her Heavenly Father on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007. The former Virginia Harding married the love of her life, George Clarence Spoerl on Feb. 14, 1947. He preceded her in death on Nov. 8, 2001. Virginia was a woman of God and took her relationship with her Savior very seriously. Many times during the day she could be found praying for the needs of her children and extended family. Virginia also took the needs of her friends and asked for help in prayer. Even during her last days, she assured us, her children that she was praying with us and for us. Virginia was a "mother" in the truest sense of the word. She was always there to listen, to encourage and also to discipline with love. Holidays were always memorable from the endless baking, decorating and wonderful surprises. The Christmas tree always held extra gifts so that there was something for anyone who may drop in. Active in school events, church, 4-H or whatever her children participated in, Virginia was there to mentor and support. She tolerated a multitude of challenges from her children with laughter and patience, including each learning a musical instrument, pets (and more pets), nine times experiencing "those teen years" and loving us through it all. Together with George, Virginia opened their home to the many needs of numerous foster children, educating, supporting and loving them as her own, allowing them to experience "family" in a new and positive way. Dedication to our country was important to Virginia. She served as an Army nurse during World War II. Virginia was a member of Togstad Glenn Chapter of DAV and actively served in various positions, including state commander. She taught us that freedom has a price and to be grateful to those fighting for that freedom. In turn, Virginia volunteered at the VA Hospital in Madison and almost always had two or three of her children helping as well. Virginia is survived by her nine children, Mary of Tucson, Ariz., Frank (Nicki) of Des Moines, Iowa, Faith (Alan) Vangen of Rio, Mike (Mary Malaney), Ruth DiCristina, Dennis (Renee), all of Madison, Paul (Judy) of Greenville, Debbie (David) Leising of East Troy, and John (Tammy) of Sheboygan; her grandchildren, Becci (Carl) Richards, Erin (Jesus) Ruiz, Ellie, Abby, Nick (fiancee, Kelley Mitchell), Mary, Angie, Thomas, Samantha, Brooke, Emily, Eli, Cassie and John Robert; and great-grandchildren, Emily, Jacob, Jared, Ashley and Carlos. She is further survived by her brother, Marion (Velma) Harding of Gladstone, Mo.; sister-in-law, Mary Susan Spoerl of Madison; as well as many other loving relatives and friends. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved George; and 12 brothers and sisters. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2007, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens, with military rites conducted by the Madison Veterans Firing Squad. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary service at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2007, and at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday. Virginias family wishes to thank MaryAnn Reale of the VA Hospital for the support and care given to mom, especially these last months. Thanks also to the Hospice family who cared with such love for our mom and grandma, your kindness touched our hearts. "And I will raise you up on eagles wings, Bear you on the breath of dawn, Make you to shine like the sun And hold you in the palm of His Hand"