Virginia Harriett Wise

Virginia “Ginny” Wise (nee Haenisch), 98, of West Bend, passed away peacefully at The Waterford at West Bend on May 19, 2019, surrounded by her loving family.

Virginia was born on March 1, 1921 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Robert and Amanda (nee Backhaus) Haenisch. She graduated from Glenbard High School in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. On December 20, 1941, Virginia married the love of her life, Richard Wise. Together, they raised five children. Virginia volunteered for the West Bend Food Pantry, Washington County Historical Society, and her church, Fifth Avenue UMC. In addition to caring for her family, she worked at Gimbels and Sears. She loved to travel, play Bridge, support the arts, and most of all, spend time with family.

Those Virginia leaves behind to cherish her memory include her four children, Sandra (Patrick) Wamser of West Bend, WI, James (Mari-Ann) Wise of Gainesville, GA, David Wise of Hartford, WI, and Nancy (Robert) Johnson of Menomonie, WI; seven grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Virginia is preceded in death by her loving husband of 51 years, Richard; son, Ricky Wise; brother, Robert Haenisch; and daughter-in-law, Lisa Wise.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. at the Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home, 1315 W. Washington St., West Bend, WI 53095. Pastor Clarissa Martinelli will be presiding.

Family will greet relatives and friends on Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home until the time of service.

Private inurnment will be held in Illinois by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Fifth Avenue UMC, Albrecht Free Clinic, or the West Bend Food Pantry in Virginia’s name would be greatly appreciated.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Trivedi, the staff at The Waterford at West Bend, and the Hometown Hospice for their wonderful care of Virginia.

The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Home of West Bend has been entrusted with Virginia’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.