Virginia M. Smith, age 90, of Clintonville passed away Thursday, February 8, 2018 at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton.
The former Viginia Myrtle Starks was born on July 30, 1927 in Racine to Earl and Sophie (Pranke) Starks. She grew up in Racine and attended school there. Her family moved around quite a bit but in the 1950s she settled down in the Clintonville area. Virginia had lived in Marion, Manawa, New London, and Clintonville for many years. She did help out on the farm when she lived in the Symco area. Virginia was also employed for some time at Sturm Foods in Manawa. But she was most proud of being a homemaker and raising her children. Virginia volunteered for so many years at the Union Thresheree in Symco helping out wherever she was needed. Virginia always grew the biggest vegetables and most beautiful flowers in her garden. She would can or freeze almost everything that she grew. She enjoyed horseback riding, working in her garden, and reading the Bible. Virginia was a member of Seventh-Day Adventist Church in New London. She loved the Lord with all her heart and often read her Bible daily. Over the years, she even wrote her auto biography for a family keepsake. Virginia was a longtime member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary of New London. She also served at the Wisconsin Veterans Home at King helping out the residents. Virginia will be remembered most as a strong, independent, and determined lady who always loved her family deeply.
Virginia is survived by three children: Adrienne Landrum of Marion, Rocky Behreandt of Michigan, and Rick (Sue) Behreandt of Michigan. There are 10 grandchildren: Paul Mortenson of Marion, Mark Mortenson of Colorado, Daniel Mortenson of Iola, Jason (Sheri) Bailey of Waupaca, Michelle (James) Johnson of Waupaca, Jeremy Bailey of Manawa, Josh (Becky) Behreandt of Tigerton, and three others. There are 14 great-grandchildren: Dusty Sonnenberg, Brianna (Joe) Grosskopf and Courtney Mortenson, David and Dale Mortenson, Sydney and Gibson Bailey, Claire Johnson, Cheyenne Bailey, Loki Behreandt, and four others. There are three great-great-grandchildren: Trinity and Lucas Sonneberg, and Eoweys Grosskopf. There are four siblings: Eloy (Judy) Sneller of Union Grove, Teresa Nelson of Tomah, Dawn Davis of Neenah, and Linda (Dan) Heuer of Iola. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. Virginia is preceded in death by a grandson Matthew Sonnenberg, great-grandson Brady Bailey, son-in-law Walley Landrum; three sisters: Yvonne Roberts, Audrey Duda, and Joyce Buisse and one brother Clarence Sneller Jr.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, February 18th at 11:00 a.m. at Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Clintonville, with Pastor Carlos Ancheta officiating. A luncheon will follow the service so please plan on staying to share in food and fellowship. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers or plants, please consider a contribution in Virginia’s memory to Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 921 Smith St., New London, WI 54961.