Elizabeth "Betty" M. Jirsa

Elizabeth “Betty” Jirsa passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 31, at Mayo Hospital in La Crosse. She was born in La Crosse on January 2, 1934, to Joseph and Marie (Roubik) Sinniger.

Betty was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Parish. She attended Holy Trinity Grade School, and was a 1951 graduate of Aquinas High School.

She earned her nursing degree from the St Francis School of Nursing.

After becoming an RN, Betty began her career at St Francis Hospital in La Crosse and found her calling in the Labor and Delivery Unit. Later in her career she attended a program at UW-Madison, to be certified in the care of high risk obstetric patients. She was very proud of this achievement.

Betty married Jim Jirsa on June 2, 1956, at Holy Trinity. Together they raised 3 children. They were able to enjoy several years of retirement until his passing in 1998.

Betty enjoyed her work as a nurse, but also dedicated herself to her family. She worked nights so, she could be home with her children during the day until they were of school age. She enjoyed family time, whether it was a meal together at home or all those Sunday picnics at Goose Island, Pettibone Park and Winona Beach. She was a proud grandma and great grandma. She was always willing to help where she was needed.

Betty stayed connected to her nursing class friends for over 50 years with monthly dinners and playing Bridge. She was a member of the St Ann's Altar Society at Holy Trinity. She helped provide many home cooked meals for funeral lunches. Betty enjoyed her home, her garden and visiting with her neighbors on Redfield Street. Betty loved to knit. Many have enjoyed her homemade creations.

Betty is survived by her children; Tim Jirsa (Carol Klimek) of La Crosse, Kathy (Steve) Janquart of Green Bay, and Jane (Brian) Kapanke of Bangor. Grandchildren; Linzi Mills, Kyle Jirsa, Megan Jirsa (Rick Thomas), Jennifer (Jacob) Pederson, Jessica (Eric) Moilien, Jakob and Ben Janquart. Great Grandchildren; Clara, Emma, and Drew Pederson and Brooks Moilien. Her brother Jim (Ronnie) Sinniger, brother-in-law Bob Mudd, brother-in-law Gene (Sharon) Jirsa, nieces, nephews, many other family and friends. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Jim and her sister Mary Ann Mudd.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Trinity Church,1333 13th Street, La Crosse, on Tuesday January 10, at 10:30am.

Visitation will be held at Schumacher Kish Funeral Home in La Crosse, on Monday, January 9, 5-7 pm with a prayer service beginning at 6:30. Additional visitation will be held at the church starting at 9:30 until time of the service. Entombment will be in the St Francis of Assisi Mausoleum in the Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials will be given in Betty’s name to an organization that will be designated later. If preferred, please donate to a charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Hearten House III for welcoming and caring for our mom and making her smile every day.

We would also like to thank the 7 ^th Floor medical staff at La Crosse Mayo Hospital for their compassion and care of our mom.