Virginia E. Schopf

Virginia (Graf) Schopf, 98, Wausau, died Saturday, May 27, 2017 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. She was born August 3, 1918 in Door County, daughter of Leo J. and Emma (Peterson) Graf and grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Virginia graduated from Mary D. Bradford High School in 1935 and from Racine-Kenosha Normal School in 1937, where she earned certification to teach in one-room schools. She taught four years in Lincoln and Fox Schools in Kenosha County. On May 31, 1941, she married Herbert Schopf and they lived in Milwaukee for five years. The family moved to the Wausau area in August of 1946. Virginia returned to teaching in Marathon County, teaching at lower Kelly and Highland Grove Schools for the next six years. After a break from teaching, she taught at St. Anne's Catholic School for the next 20 years until her retirement in 1981. She was involved in many parish activities including, eucharistic minister visiting the homebound, special CCD, Circle of Joy, Fatima Council, NAIM, Altrusa Club and was a member of the Catholic Woman's Club. Virginia also enjoyed teaching at the Little Red School House for seven seasons, was a member of the Historical Society of Marathon County and Warm Up America program. Her favorite pastimes included crafts, especially weaving and making quilts for her grandchildren. She was an avid reader and greatly enjoyed the Talking Books Program from the Milwaukee Public Library. Survivors include, two children, James Schopf, Minnetonka, MN, and Carol (Mike) Schoenherr, Weston; one son-in-law, Jeff Becker, Milwaukee; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Martin, Bradley Schopf, Heidi (Gerry) Miller, Heather (Eldon Groak) Lueck, Andy (Heather) Schoenherr, Matt (Erin Fisk) Schoenherr and Eric (Aimee) Schoenherr; ten great-grandchildren; one sister, Donna Hebior, Kenosha; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-mother, Ann Graf; her husband, Herb; one daughter, Jan; two grandsons, Brian and Billy Schopf; and two siblings, Leo Graf Jr. and Catherine "Kitty" Cesario. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Alan Burkhardt will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Memorials may be directed to the St. Anne School Scholarship Fund or the Milwaukee Public Library. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com