Virginia Lou Kettling

Virginia (Reuthe) Kettling, 89, of Cedarburg, was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, George, on November 22, 2021. She peacefully passed from her home at Lasata Care Center with two of her daughters by her side.

Ginne (as she was best known) was born in August of 1932 in Toledo, OH, the youngest of eight children.

Ginne was a strong, dynamic, and accomplished woman, who touched many lives around the world through, not only her career, but also her thoughtfulness. Ginne’s hard work and dedication were rewarded in so many ways, and she was extremely proud of all of her achievements.

Ginne graduated from Capital University in Columbus, OH, in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and received her Masters of Arts in Guidance and Counseling from Ohio State University in 1962. Originally, Ginne had plans to become a missionary, but God had other plans for her.

She married the love of her life, George, in June of 1962. They shared 51 incredible years together, creating a loving and caring family of their own four children, as well as many “extended family” members they gathered along the way. Ginne’s career grew from RN to Dean of Students at the University of Cincinnati, nursing administrator as well as VP of Nursing at both Christ and Bethesda Hospitals in Cincinnati, OH, Mt Sinai Medical Center in Milwaukee, and United Samaritans Hospital in Danville, IL. When she and George moved to Cedarburg, Ginne continued her career as a parish nurse for Luther Manor as well as Advent Lutheran Church. Ginne finally retired in 2007, but continued her caregiving for George. For both of them, their favorite place was simply with each other.

In 2017, Ginne received the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award for achieving career longevity and demonstrating unwavering excellence in her chosen field of Nursing.

For the past 13 years, Ginne’s home was the Lasata Senior Living Campus, where she continued to shine her light on the world, through volunteering and just loving others for who they were. Living her life independently as a caregiver herself, it was hard for Ginne to accept others taking care of her. She cer –

tainly lived her faith, being true to her many friendships, and showing compassion for those in need. Throughout her most recent challenging days, Ginne did her best to take one day at a time, and always took the time to thank those who cared for her. Ginne will be remembered as a thoughtful, generous, kind soul who stood up for what was right, rooted for the underdog, and had quite a sense of humor. She always looked for rainbows, as they were a comfort that George was near and that God heard her prayers. She and George shared a soft spot in their hearts for all animals, especially cats, and they adopted several during their life together. In her later years, Ginne loved to play cards and especially loved doing jigsaw puzzles. She also delighted in hearing about her grandkids and in simply watching “her birds” outside her window.

She is survived by her four loving children: Elys (Mike) Law of Wooster, OH, Kandy (Roger) Lindgren of Kewaskum, Gynevra (Tim) Benson of Glendale, and Geoffry (Karen) Kettling of Reno, NV. She is further survived by six beautiful grandchildren: Tina (Kyle) Schlieve, Nolan (Jaalah) Benson, Lucas Benson, Chase and Lily Lindgren and Grace Kettling, as well as great-granddaughter, Zaida Tomasini, and two great-grandsons: Arik and Korbin Schlieve.

Ginne was preceded in death by her parents, her three sisters and four brothers.

Ginne’s family would like to extend their immense gratitude to the staff at Lasata Care Center for all the loving care they have provided through the years, as well as providing so many special friendships she so dearly cherished.

For most of her life, Ginne donated to many various charities. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to any charity of choice.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Peace UCC, with Pastor Eric Kirkegaard presiding. The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please refer to their website for details closer to the time of the service. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com