Virginia Catherine (Schmitt) Syring

August 19, 1935 - May 19, 2026

Virginia Catherine (Schmitt) Syring passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at the age of 90. She leaves behind a legacy of dedicated service, deep compassion for her community, and a family that loved her dearly.

Virginia was born on August 19, 1935, in Janesville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Alice and Arnold Schmitt. She grew up in Janesville and graduated from Janesville High School in 1953.

Driven by a lifelong desire to care for others, Virginia pursued a career in healthcare. She became a registered nurse after graduating from St. Mary's School of Nursing in Madison, Wisconsin. Committed to excellence in her field, she later completed postgraduate education in nursing at St. Xavier College in Chicago, Illinois, and the University of Minnesota. Prior to her retirement, Virginia dedicated 16 years of exceptional care to patients at the Mayo hospitals in Rochester.

On June 10, 1983, Virginia married Kenneth Syring in Rochester, Minnesota, beginning a beautiful 42-year chapter of marriage and shared devotion to their family.

Virginia's generous spirit extended far beyond her professional career. She was an avid quilter who lovingly crafted countless baby blankets, and she spent many hours knitting baby caps for the maternity department at Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital. A devoted volunteer, she freely gave her time to the Salvation Army, the Dorothy Day Hospitality House, and the Mayo Hospice program. When she wasn't helping others or working on her latest textile project, Virginia could be found enthusiastically cheering on her beloved Minnesota Vikings.

Virginia is survived by her devoted husband, Ken; her stepdaughter, Debra Syring of Rochester; two stepsons, Matthew (Colleen) Syring of Rochester and Mark Syring, of Minneapolis; five step-grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her cherished nieces and nephew: Allison (Loren) Mitchell of Dawsonville, Georgia; Cathy (Roger) Ramsier of Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin; and Tom (Faith) Schmitt of Morgantown, North Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alice and Arnold Schmitt; her three brothers, Joseph, Jerry, and Donald Schmitt; and her stepson, Michael.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be directed to a charity of your choice in Virginia's honor.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, with visitation one hour prior to the Mass.