Virginia "ginger" Uehling

Virginia Uehling (ginger), 94, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on July 2, 1929, the daughter of R. S. Rector and Genevieve Rector. She passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024, surrounded by her family.

 Ginger grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin and moved to Appleton her junior year of high school. She was known mainly by her nickname which she acquired in grade school as there were three other Virginias in her class. Her red hair accounted for the name of Ginger.

 She graduated from Beloit College where she met her future husband of 72 years, Richard Uehling (Dick). They were married in the First Congregational Church in Appleton in 1951. They raised three children in Appleton and for many years, they spent their summers in Shawano Lake, Wisconsin and winters in Naples, Florida.

 Ginger’s life was filled with many volunteer activities. While attending Beloit College she was active in Pi Beta Phi sorority. After college she dedicated much of her time to the philanthropies of the sorority. Among her many leadership roles, she was Chairman of the Pi Beta Phi Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. She served as president of the sorority alum clubs in both Appleton and Naples. In April 2023, she received special recognition from Pi Beta Phi for her 75 years of dedicated service. Ginger also volunteered and founded the first nursery school at the Appleton YMCA and delivered Meals on Wheels. She was an avid reader and was involved in many book clubs both in Appleton and Naples. She kept up on current events, often sending interesting articles to family and friends.

 Painting was Ginger’s joy. Her watercolors and oils of meaningful images are proudly displayed in the homes of her family. Her watercolor-painted Christmas cards, a different painting every year, became her signature and were enjoyed by many family members and friends. 

 Ginger and Dick traveled extensively. It was her delight to meet with relatives in Germany, Australia, and New Zealand and have them return visits to her back here in the U.S. Travels over the years extended to Europe, Scandinavia, Russia, Greece, Central America, South America, China, Japan and the Far East.

 But perhaps the most important thing in Ginger’s life was her family. She was extremely proud that her three children and six grandchildren all graduated from college. She was thrilled to be able to attend each graduation - even if one was by video. Life was always fun when the family all got together during the summer at their cottage on Shawano Lake. Having 16 for a weekend was a time full of water skiing, volleyball, board games, grilling, lots of laughter and always homemade molasses cookies. Ginger enjoyed playing bridge and loved crafts and making things with her hands. Sewing, smocking, and knitting were her favorites. She taught her granddaughters these skills and was very proud of their work.

 Ginger was beloved by all who knew her. She was kind, gentle, loyal and never broke any confidence. She had a genuine interest and passion for engaging with younger generations to offer support, encouragement and understanding. Her resilience through changes throughout her life, especially in her later years, was exemplary to all who knew her. Memories of her will be forever cherished.

 Ginger is survived by her husband, Richard Uehling of Appleton, WI; her brother Robert Rector of Naples, FL; her daughters, Barbara Uehling of Appleton, WI and Susan Ernest (John) of Rhinelander, WI; her son, Thomas Uehling (Alice) of Allison Park, PA; six grandchildren, Whitney Kruse (Matthew Petersen), Carolyn Sizemore (Daniel), John Kruse (Christina), Greg Ernest (Danielle), George Uehling, and Henry Uehling (Shannon), and eight great-grandchildren. Services will be private. Memorial donations may be made to The Uehling Family Fund at the Community Foundation of the Fox Cities, 4455 W Lawrence St, Appleton, WI 54914.