Myrna Mae Viney

Myrna Viney
January 21, 1935 - April 1, 2026

Myrna Mae (Graffin) Viney, of Stoughton, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, after a battle with dementia. She was born on January 21, 1935, in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, to Milo H. and Merlyn L. (Emerson) Graffin. The eldest of four children, Myrna grew up surrounded by the love—and lively energy—of her three younger brothers.

Myrna met the love of her life, Paul Joseph Viney, Jr., while dancing at Turner Hall in Madison, introduced by her sister in law, Marybelle (Viney) Helgestad. They were married on July 9, 1955, at McFarland Lutheran Church, where they remained lifelong members. Their early years took them from Belleville to Cottage Grove before they settled in McFarland, the community they called home for nearly 60 years. Together, they raised three children: Debra, Donald, and Dennis.

Raised on the family farm in Deerfield, Myrna graduated from Stoughton High School in 1952. She was active in 4-H throughout the Madison area and was always ready to lend a hand with farm chores. After high school, she attended Madison Business College and began her career at Madison Gas and Electric. She later joined the State of Wisconsin in the Department of Industry, Labor and Human Relations (now the Department of Workforce Development), retiring alongside Paul in 1996 after 32 years of dedicated service.

Retirement brought Myrna immense joy—especially in her role as grandmother. In the late 1990s, she and Paul spent their summers babysitting their granddaughters. Each week, Myrna would carefully drive them to the library to pick out books, determined to keep them entertained and away from the TV. (Paul, meanwhile, kept a close eye on the Buick leaving the driveway, though Myrna rarely exceeded 20 MPH through McFarland.) Throughout their grandchildren's soccer, basketball, volleyball, and football seasons, Myrna and Paul could always be found in the bleachers, cheering proudly.

Myrna and Paul shared a love of travel, especially bus trips to Northern Wisconsin casinos and destinations across the United States—reaching as far as Niagara Falls and New York City. They traveled throughout Wisconsin to watch their eldest son, Donald, compete in tractor pulls, and they made memorable trips to Branson, Missouri, to enjoy their favorite country musicians. Their most cherished adventure was attending the 1994 Rose Bowl in Pasadena, where they watched the Wisconsin Badgers bring home the trophy. As longtime Badger Football season ticket holders—more than 20 years—Myrna cheered with unmatched enthusiasm for the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers. In their younger years, Myrna and Paul enjoyed snowmobiling on Southern Wisconsin trails with her Aunt Alta and Uncle Gordon. Bowling also became a beloved pastime in retirement, especially Saturday night leagues with Dennis and Kami. They were loyal patrons of Southern Wisconsin supper clubs, with the Maple Tree Supper Club and Toby's in McFarland holding a special place in their hearts.

In April 2021, Myrna faced the heartbreaking loss of her best friend and husband, Paul. She navigated life in assisted living with resilience, supported closely by Dennis and Kami, who accompanied her to appointments and ensured she was well cared for. She treasured every visit from her granddaughters and great granddaughters—especially when they arrived with Culver's sundaes or took her out for Friday night fish fry at the Maple Tree. Nothing brought out her smile faster than the words, "Culver's sundae time!"

Myrna is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, her brother, and many beloved relatives: Debra Viney (Dick Walters); Donald & Marilyn Viney (sons: Daniel (& Laura) - children: Drew & Addison; Jason- children: Aliyah, Harvey & Hadley); Dennis & Kami Viney (daughters: Kaia (Steven Rocus); Kayla- child: Ella; Kelci- child: Khloe); Gerald Graffin (Laura) (brother); Floyd (Charlotte) Viney (brother & sister in law); Ruth Viney, Marybelle Helgestad, Betty Viney, and Elaine Worringer (sisters in law).

She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents, Merlyn and Milo; and her brothers, James and Merton.

Visitation will be held at the MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, McFarland, from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. after the visitation at the church. Luncheon to follow immediately after the service. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens in Cottage Grove.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to Brian & Megan and the SSM Hospice Care team for their compassionate care and support during Myrna's final months. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to SSM Hospice in Myrna's honor at https://www.givetossmhealth.org/resources/make-a-donation-to-ssm-health Attention: SSM Health at Home Services in Wisconsin (Hospice). Online condolences may be made to www.gundersonfh.com