Virginia “Ginny” Kilanowski
A resident of McGregor, Virginia Marie Kilanowski, entered the loving arms of God, early Wednesday morning, October 15, 2014, at All Saints Senior Living, Shakopee, MN. The family will greet guests on Sunday, October 19, from 2-5 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral and Cremation, 4565 Pleasant Street SE, Prior Lake and also one hour prior to the mass at church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, October 20, at 11 am, at the Church of St. Michael 16311 Duluth Avenue SE, Prior Lake, MN. Father Tom Sieg will officiate. Pall bearers will be her brothers, Larry, Lenny, Don, Tim, Jerry and Joe Kortuem. Ginny will be laid to rest at a private family interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN.
On Wednesday, December 15, 1948, in Bertha, MN, Ginny was born the fifth of thirteen children to Martin and Sally (Hubbard) Kortuem. Growing up on a dairy farm in Long Prairie, she spent countless hours tending to the animals daily needs, especially the cows. Ginny took this experience and love being involved in 4H. With thirteen children in the family and raised on a farm, there was bound to be some mishaps or adventures along the way, and she was no exception to the rule. Attending a one room elementary schoolhouse, she later graduated from Long Prairie High School in 1966.
Moving to St. Cloud for a few years, Ginny started working for Finger Hut, until moving to Minneapolis to work for the Federal Reserve Bank. A dedicated employee of 42 years, she worked her way up the corporate ladder, with later managing the check adjustments. Through the years, Ginny also had the opportunity to travel to various cities throughout the U.S for her job, until she retired in 2008.
While attending high school and through family members, Ginny met her true love and soul mate, Richard Leo Kilanowski. This country girl, melted the heart of a townie and on June 29, 1968 at St. Mary of Mount Carmel, Long Prairie, MN, Ginny and Dick declared their love for each other. Making their home in South Minneapolis, they raised two beautiful children, Mike and Lynn.
For over 46 years, Ginny was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandma. To her, faith, family and friends were the most important in life. Ginny loved controlled chaos and loved life. She relished getting together at the holidays, with family and friends. Her front door to the home in the cities or at the cabin on Big Sandy in McGregor, was always open to anyone who entered. The cabin, after many updates and remodels, later became the family’s home, after Dick and Ginny retired.
A deep love for quilting, Ginny turned the garage into a sea of material, sewing and quilting machines and a place for her to gather with family and friends. Over the years, hundreds of quilts, table runners and other creations have been created with love by Ginny and others. Over the years, she also enjoyed traveling, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. One of Ginny’s biggest accomplishments has been being the team captain for the Susan G. Komen 3- Day Walk. Over the last 10 years, her team has raised over $140,000. This walk became dear to her heart, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.
Left to honor Ginny’s life and mourn the death is her husband of 46 years, Richard; children, Mike (Heidi) Kilanowski, Lynn (Pete) Preston; grandsons, Quinn, Owen, Gavin; siblings, Larry Kortuem, Lenny (Mary) Kortuem, Cathy (Jerry) Kilanowski, Aggie Adams, Don (Debbie) Kortuem, Theresa (Daryl) Hathaway, Becky (Larry) Weber, Tim Kortuem, Jerry (Peggy) Kortuem and Joe (Kim) Kortuem; special family, Mike, Molly, Colin, Luke Kostecky; many nieces and nephews, other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Preceded in death and there to welcome Ginny home in heaven are her parents, Martin and Sally; brothers, Tommy Kortuem and Roger Kortuem; sister in law, Jan Kortuem.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Prior Lake Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Kilanowski family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
