Virginia M. Schlax, age 90, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

Born in Wausau, Wisconsin, she was the daughter of Leo Sobkowiak and Helen Morien. A proud 1953 graduate of Wausau City High School, Virginia went on to earn her degree from the Racine College of Cosmetology, where she began cultivating the talent and passion that would define much of her working life.

In the 1950s, Virginia made Kenosha her home, where she began her career at MacWhyte Wire Rope Company before discovering her true calling as a hairdresser. Throughout her over 40-year career, she touched the lives of countless people through her kindness, conversation, and care while working at Cinderella Beauty Shop on 7th Avenue, Town Beauty Shop on 6th Avenue, Tres Chic on 80th Street, Wanda's Beauty Salon on Sheridan Road, Adel's Beauty Salon on 7th Avenue, and J's Salon on 22nd Avenue.

Virginia was united in marriage to the love of her life, James Schlax. Together, they shared many beautiful years filled with laughter, companionship, and adventure until his passing in March of 1990. Although their travels took them to Acapulco, Mexico, Europe, and Hawaii, creating memories that she treasured for the rest of her life, Virginia always kept close ties to her relatives and friends in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Virginia had a generous heart and a giving nature. She volunteered her time in the Gift Shops at St. Catherine's Hospital and Kenosha Hospital, where her warm smile brightened the day of everyone she met. She was also an active member of the Women's Club of Kenosha, the Kenosha Senior Center, St. Mary's Friendly Center, Women of the Moose Chapter 155, and Friends of the Museum.

Those who knew Virginia will remember her grace, her gentle humor, and the kindness she showed to everyone. She leaves behind many cousins and her dear friends, Susan Sadowski, David and Alison Jordan, and Heather and Joe Latocha, who shared in her friendship, laughter, and love through the years.

In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd, Pleasant Prairie, WI (https://www.hospicealliance.org/support-us/why-give-to-hospice-alliance).

Virginia's family would also like to extend a special thank you to RN Tina Fulkerson of Hospice Alliance, Katie, Kirby and the staff at Willowbrook Assisted Living.

Virginia's legacy is one of warmth, compassion, and a quiet strength that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know her.