Verna Mae Buhr

Verna Mae Buhr, 96, of Viroqua, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024, at Gunderson Hospital in La Crosse. Verna Mae was born June 9,1927 in Dallas, South Dakota to James Roswell Edwards and Martha (Emme) Edwards, the 8th of eleven children. She grew up on the family farm during the dust bowl years. She graduated from Dallas High School in 1945.

Verna Mae married Raymond Buhr on November 14, 1945. They moved to Kutch, Colorado where they farmed for three years and then moved to Iona, South Dakota and operated a general store. Verna Mae served as postmaster for the area. In 1956, they purchased a farm near Cashton, Wisconsin, bought some cows and became dairy farmers. In 1971, they relocated to a farm near Viroqua where Raymond and Verna Mae established what was to become an elite Registered Holstein herd.

Upon retirement, Raymond and Verna Mae traveled the country in their fifth wheel camper for several years until Raymond’s death in 1992. Verna Mae moved to Viroqua and continued to travel with family and friends.

A talented woman, Verna Mae will be remembered for her painting, woodworking, and quilting. She volunteered for several groups in Viroqua, including St. Mary’s church, Vernon County Historical Society, and the Homemakers Club. She also devoted many hours helping paint murals in Viroqua. In 2018, she received the Jefferson Award for her outstanding volunteer work. She was also recognized as the 2007 Woman of Light in the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse.

Verna Mae was very proud of her family. Her friends spanned many generations and interests. She was an avid Brewers, Packers, and Bucks fan. She loved to engage in Scrabble and card games.

She is survived by her sister, Verdene; her children: Virginia of Madison, Wisconsin, Paul (Darlene) of Viroqua, and Karolyn (John) Muniz of Florida; her grandchildren: Melanie (Matt) Buhr Lawler, Wyatt (Shannon) Drake-Buhr, Evan (Christy) Buhr, Jacqueline Ellis, and David (Nicole) Ellis; and eight great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Raymond; a son Christopher; daughters, Marilyn and Julia; a grandson Jonathan Ellis; and five brothers and four sisters.

Visitation will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Viroqua, Saturday, April 20th, at 9:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00am. A luncheon will follow. Memorials can be made to Vernon County Historical Society or Redlou Library.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is assisting the family.

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