Virginia E Karnitz

Virginia Karnitz, age 85, of Neillsville, WI died, suddenly, Saturday, May 3, 2014 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, WI.Virginia Elaine Dux was born on November 13, 1928 in Neillsville, WI the daughter of Arthur and Elsie (Nitschke) Dux. She graduated from Neillsville High School in 1946. On September 23, 1950 she was united in marriage to Kenneth William Karnitz at the Zion Lutheran Pine Valley Church. For several years Virginia and Ken owned and operated the Pool Hall in Neillsville. In the late 1960's she began working in the recreation department of the Neillsville Nursing Home. Virginia was very dedicated to her work at the nursing home, retiring within the past few months. She was a member of the Zion Lutheran Pine Valley Church and has served as their organist for nearly 60 years. Virginia was also known for her cookie baking and also sharing her baked goods with neighbors, friends and family.She is survived by a daughter, Lynette (Mel) Mueller of Neillsville, WI, a daughter-in-law, Joy Karnitz of Wausau, WI, four grandchildren, Kate (Brian Hare) Mueller Neillsville, WI, Amanda Mueller of Neenah, WI, Kristin (Wayne) Kallio and Amy (Cal) Hesse both of Wausau, WI. Virginia is also survived by 7 Great Grandchildren and a sister-in-law, Lois Smetana of Black River Falls, WI.She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth, October 30, 1988, a son, Kerry, April 3, 2012, her parents and a brother-in-law, Bernard Smetana.A Funeral Service for Virginia will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2014 at the Zion Lutheran Church-Pine Valley in Neillsville. Intern Pastor Kenneth Schmidt will officiate. Music will be provided by Sharon Bjerke, organist and nieces and nephews as vocalists. Interment will be in the North Pine Valley Cemetery in Neillsville, Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at the Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville and also from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Wednesday morning at the church.Funeral Home:Gesche Funeral Home4 South Grand AvenueNeillsville, WIUS 54456