Virginia M. LaFave

WOODRUFF, Wis. - Virginia M. LaFave, 84, of Ironwood, Mich., passed away Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016, in Woodruff.

She celebrated her 85th birthday with her Lord and Savior in Heaven, after being called home. Virginia LaFave (nee McKie) was born on Sept. 25, 1931, to the late William and Cecelia McKie in Bessemer, Mich.

She attended A.D. Johnston High School and graduated from University of Wisconsin-Superior in 1953 with a major in English. Virginia taught in Detroit, and Chico, Calif., followed by Shawano, Hartford, Adams-Friendship, Madison and finally Poynette where she retired in 1992.

She married Robert M. LaFave on Sept. 27, 1957, in Bessemer. He preceded her in death on March 7, 1997. They moved to Arlington, Wis., and together they raised their three daughters, Jamie Stiffarm of Ironwood, Gretchen (Roy) Halvorsen of Westfield, and Prudence Uhrich of Huntsville, Ala.

She is survived by all three of her daughters; her son-in-law, Roy; grandsons, Joel Stiffarm of Seoul, South Korea, and Lukas and Tait Halvorsen of Westfield; great-grandson, Rhys Halvorsen of Westfield; many nieces and nephews; and former sister-in-law, Inger Holmson.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, William, Allan and Tom; and her sisters, Janice and Marcia.

Virginia directed the choir for many years at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Arlington, and then later in retirement at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay, Mich. While teaching vocal music, English and world history in Poynette, she refereed volleyball for many years. She organized and coached the first girls basketball team in the Poynette School District, served as advisor for honor society, and served as president of the teachers union. Virginia also served for many years as the secretary for the Columbia County Republicans. In retirement, Virginia served for the Salvation Army of Gogebic County, Mich., for many years. Virginia spent, and thoroughly enjoyed, many years fishing and card playing at the family cabin in Mercer. She also spent many of her summers teaching bible school and playing the organ at Trinity Lutheran Church in Boulder Junction.

Funeral Service will be held Saturday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at E8223 Sanders Road, Ramsay, with Reverend Timothy Steckling officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Bessemer.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 86, Ironwood, MI 49938.

Mom's lasting legacy will always be the performance of G.F. Handel's "Messiah" by her vocal choirs at the Poynette High School's annual Christmas concert, aided by the participation of former students and other community musicians. Hallelujah.

Range Funeral Service of Ironwood and Bessemer is assisting the family with arrangements. To send on line condolences, visit us as rangefuneralservices.com.