Virginia Day

Virginia “Ginna” (Strachota) Day left our world peacefully on Monday, June 22, 2020 at the age of 92.

Virginia was born November 25, 1927 in Wausau, WI.  She married her love, Russell Day, on October 1, 1948. Virginia was employed in her earlier years at WPS. As the wife of the co-founder of Day’s-Bowl-A-Dome in Wausau, Virginia dedicated much of her life and time to “the bowling alley.” She had a love for bowling and all the friends and bowlers who she came to know over the years.  The love of bowling spread throughout the Day family, and Virginia was always quick to give a lesson in score keeping, or to help you with your backswing.

Her biggest “job” was raising and caring for her six beloved children.  She leaves behind a legacy in her 14 grandchildren and her 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom will share wonderful memories of her generosity, her concern for everyone’s well-being, and her ability to bring together such a large family through her values and traditions. Grandma Day, aka “Grandma Day Hey Hey”, never missed a birthday or forgot a special occasion. She is known for single-handedly keeping the $2 bill in circulation. It was her gift of choice as a token of her love.  No one can perfect her chocolate cake or special frosting like she could, but many keep trying.

Virginia was a devout member of First United Methodist Church in Wausau.  Her mission in life was to care for the elderly, nursing home residents, and the homebound.  She was always on the go until her final few years, visiting dear friends and strangers alike. She always left a sticker with her name on the calendar of those she visited, so they had a visible reminder that someone cared about and loved them.

Additionally, Virginia was a member of the American Legion and an avid supporter of veterans.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Helen Strachota; her husband, Russell Day; brothers, Roger and Russell Strachota, sister, Jean Muelrath; and her grandson, Jason Weiland.

She is survived by her six children and 13 of her grandchildren; Richard (Deanna) Day; Barbara Day and daughter Kelly Ringwelski; Sharon (Roland) Penn and children, Becky (Mark) Annen, Jessica (Eric) Molstad, Dana (Matt) Lagrone, and Kari (Sean) Chaney; Eileen (Scott) Denfeld and children, Kara Weiland (widow of late Jason Weiland), Brent (Jamie) Weiland, Shanna (John) Denfeld, and Cati (David) Quirós; Dean (Kim Rantanen) Day and children Miranda (Nic) Babl, Kimberly (Ben) Hoenisch, and Cameron Rantanen-Day; and Curtis (Lisa) Day and children Dylan Day and Tyler (Morgan) Day; brother, James Strachota, sister, Shirley (Daniel) Ayala, and brother, Gerald Strachota.

Funeral arrangements have been made for Monday, June 29, 2020 at Brainard Funeral Home, located at 5712 Memorial Ct, Weston, WI 54476.  The visitation will be held from 10:00 am to 11:55 am, with the service beginning at 12:00.  Social distancing and masks are encouraged.  Memorial flowers can be sent directly to the funeral home, or if you wish to support a cause dear to Virginia, the family asks that a donation be considered for the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/).