Cayler, Virginia M.

Virginia M. Cayler, age 94, of Dodgeville, passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2024 at Hearten House III Memory Care in Holmen, Wisconsin.

Virginia was born on February 12, 1930 in Herrick, Illinois.  The daughter of Logan and Orpha Frailey, she was raised and educated in Iowa Falls, Iowa. On June 14, 1953, she married Gene C. Cayler, and together they moved to Louisiana for Gene’s Air Force years, and then to homes in Iowa and Wisconsin for Gene’s years as a feed salesman with Walnut Grove Livestock Feeds.  Their final move took them to Dodgeville, where they lived for over 30 years.  They loved their neighbors and community and, during their time in Dodgeville, Virginia was active in serving her community.  She volunteered for elections, sporting events, the Iowa County History Center and anywhere extra hands were needed. She also worked as a Walmart greeter in Dodgeville and as a sales associate at both a dress shop and a shoe store in neighboring Mineral Point, and loved it all. She was an avid sports fan and could tell you who was playing when and where any day of the week.  She never missed a sporting event, music concert, parade, or any other event in which her family had a part.  She loved to meet new people and visit with everyone. Her family and friends meant everything to her and she was always there if anyone was in need of a shoulder to lean on. She was always ready with a smile, a kind word, an open heart, and the truth, even if you might not want to hear it. 

After Gene’s passing in 2000, Virginia remained in Dodgeville another ten years, which was possible due to her strong, independent nature and the help of wonderful neighbors and friends. She then moved to Onalaska, Wisconsin to be closer to family.  She lived for over ten years in an independent living apartment complex there where, again, she made many friends who became dear to her heart. 

Virginia is survived by her children, daughter Debra (Brett) Jenkinson of Zumbro Falls, MN; her son David (Karen) Cayler of Holmen, WI; and son Michael Doss of Des Moines, IA; Grandchildren Christopher (Hannah) Cayler; Valory Cayler; Michelle Crubaugh; Chad (Meggan) Cearley and Tina (Bill) Derickson; along with many great grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is further survived by her son-in-law Frank Cearley of Alden, IA and numerous nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her daughter Sandra Cearley; her parents; In-laws; siblings and numerous other dear family members. 

There will be a time of remembrance from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024 at GORGEN-McGINLEY  & AYERS FUNERAL HOME in Dodgeville

In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to Gundersen Health System Hospice in La Crosse, WI or Hearten House III Memory Care in Holmen, WI.

The family will be forever grateful for the loving care those organizations provided for Virginia in her final months of life. 

Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers

 Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com