Virginia Irene Kietzke

Virginia Irene Kietzke, age 94, of Baraboo passed away on Friday, April 12, 2013 at the St. Clare Meadows Care Center in Baraboo. Virginia was born on May 16, 1918 in Waupaca to Harley and Hazel Van Patten. She was united in marriage to Hilmer Kietzke on June 9, 1945.They resided on their farm in Sumpter until 1985 when they moved to Baraboo.Virginia was a graduate of the Manitowoc Lincoln High School, she also furthered her education with a year of study at the Northwest Bible Institute, in Seattle. She was a long time member of the Church of the Nazarene in Baraboo, where she served as treasurer and in the missions department. She was an artist at heart and used her gift in sewing, calligraphy, painting, twilling, paper embossing, and many other art forms. She was known to many as the "Butterfly Lady" as she raised monarchs from eggs, and shared the story and pictures with many school children in the Baraboo area.Virginia is survived by her children, Lorene Slaney, Annalee (Patrick) Gleash, and Jean Kietzke all of Baraboo; grandchildren, Michelle Johnson of Reedsburg, Jodi Stein of LaCrosse, Kenneth Gleash of Reedsburg, Robert Slaney of Wonewoc, Matthew Gleash of Reedsburg, Angela Gleash of Baraboo, and Nathan Gassen of Reedsburg; sister, Leah (Fred) Bernhardt of Racine. She is further survived by 14 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter expected in June; as well as many nieces; nephews; other relatives and friends.She was preceded by her husband, Hilmer; son-in-law, Robert Slaney; sisters, Roberta (Horace) Huebner and Shirley Bridges; and a grandson, Anthony Gleash.Funeral Services will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Baraboo with Pastor Jonathon Tipton and Pastor Bruce Cradle officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Baraboo. Burial will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 in the Otter Creek Cemetery in Sumpter. The Redlin Funeral Home of Baraboo is assisting the family.The family would like to express a special "Thank You' to Dr. Eric Hamburg, the staff at St. Clare Meadows Care Center, as well as all of the caretakers that allowed Virginia to stay at home as long as possible.