Virginia Briggs, age 94, of Merrill, died Saturday, June 16, 2012, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
She was born April 20, 1918, in the town of Schley, the daughter of the late Guy and Selma (Doering) Drew. She married William C. Briggs on June 24, 1943 in Merrill. He preceded her in death on December 25, 1969.
As a young girl, Virginia worked with her grandmother at her Uncle Harry Doering’s logging camp, cooking for the loggers and building crews. She also worked for Kerner’s Spider Lake Resort in Little Bohemia. She then worked for Coon’s Lodge in Sara Sota, Florida for the winter. She farmed with her husband Bill from 1943 to 1969. While farming she also worked at Hanson Glove, the canning company and Weinbrenner Shoe company where she worked for 34 years, retiring at the age of 71. After retirement she worked at Lincoln Hills School as a Foster Grandparent where she volunteered for 12 years. Virginia enjoyed traveling with friends, gardening, playing cards, cooking and spending time with her family.
She is survived by 3 sons; William (Kathy) Briggs of Eau Claire, Edwin (Kay) Briggs of Wausau and Ronald (Kerry) Briggs of Irma. A daughter-in-law, Susan Briggs also of Irma. 8 grandchildren; Jacquelyn (Brian) Mann, Sandra Briggs, Sara (Mark) Briggs-Malinowski, Brenda (Chuck) Konkler, Daniel (Margie) Briggs, Casey Briggs, Jessica (Kevin) Harding and Michelle Briggs. 2 great-grandchildren; Chloe and Carter Konkler.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, husband William, 2 sons; Larry and Daniel. 3 brothers; Shirley, Wilmer and Kenneth Drew and 2 sisters; Valerie Heath and Lorraine Klemp.
A Vigil Prayer service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday at the Waid Funeral Home.The Rev. Fr.Mike McLain will officiate. Friends may call from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM Tuesday at The Waid Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in the town of Rock Falls.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Merrill Silver M club or to the American Cancer Society.