Virginia K. Geraets age 66 of Elmwood, passed away on Sunday May 6, 2018 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire surrounded by her family.

Virginia was born March 12, 1952 in Wayzata, MN, she was the daughter of Jack and Marlys (Cropp) Bowell and grew up in the San Jose area of California.  They moved to Menomonie in 1969 and Virginia graduated from Menomonie High School in 1970.  Virginia attended U.W Stout for a year and began working for Sanna Diaries for a few years.  She married Steven J. Geraets September 14, 1974 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood.  After marriage they made their home on the Geraets family farm, where they farmed and raised their family.

Virginia was very active in the Pierce County 4-H programs.  She loved going to the Pierce County Fair to watch her children and grandchildren show their animals.  She enjoyed doing craft work and was an avid reader.   She cherished her time spent with her husband, children and grandchildren and all of her animals.

Virginia is survived by her husband, Steve, her children, Tony (Shannon) of Mankato, MN, John (Stacey), Patrick (April) and Stephanie Wells, all of Elmwood; eight grandchildren, Brendon, Mikena, Megan, Kaylie, Presley, Jorden, Braylen and Brenner; two sisters, Shirley Smith and Carla Podoll both of Menomonie, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Ryan Wells and a sister, Rinda Kassera.

Memorial services will be 11:30 AM Friday May 11, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Elmwood with Rev. Prince Raja officiating, burial will be in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM Friday until the time of the services at the church.

Condolences

1. Jeannie Place May 12, 2018, at 2:10pm

   Steve, so sorry to hear of the loss of Virginia. Please accept my sympathies. Thoughts are with you at this time.

2. Gina May 11, 2018, at 4:42pm

   Thoughts and Prayers

3. Linda Thompson Zimmer May 9, 2018, at 8:54pm

   My sympathies to the entire Geraets family. Virginia and I talked at family gatherings and fair. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren.

4. Sherry Lubich May 9, 2018, at 2:09pm

   I am so sorry to hear of Virginia's passing. Gosh, I was just thinking of her the other day when I was telling someone about helping with 4-H. Virginia had such passion for 4-H, the fair and her family. She will be missed.

5. Jim & Kim Goss May 9, 2018, at 8:36am

   Pat, April and Families. Our deepest sympathies to you during this difficult time and the days ahead. Keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers.

6. Myrna & Lynn McRoberts May 9, 2018, at 8:25am

   We are so sorry for your loss, Steve and family. Hugs to you, Stacey.

7. Tammy Pitzen May 9, 2018, at 6:22am

   My most sincere sympathy in the passing of Virginia. She was such a dedicated 4-H and Fair person and truly believed in helping the kids. Prayers your way for comfort and peace. -Tammy

8. Julie Lee May 8, 2018, at 10:21pm

   Sorry for your loss. God's grace and comfort be with you at this difficult time.

9. Linda Donnelly May 8, 2018, at 8:49pm

   We are so very sorry to hear about Virginia passing away! She will be greatly be missed by the 4H community. She was a such a great supporter of the fair and 4H. She will definitely be missed up in the small animal barn. We will pray for your family at this difficult time! The Scott Donnelly family

10. Pauline (Kassera) and John Richard May 8, 2018, at 5:18pm

    Steve and family, we were very sorry to hear about Ginny's passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

11. Kristen & McKenna K May 8, 2018, at 4:09pm

    We have lost a neighbor, but more so, a friend. Virginia was always kind & encouraging to me & most especially my daughter. Virginia would answer countless 4H questions, encourage my daughter to continue to try new opportunities in 4H, to grow, to learn, & most importantly, to laugh. I shared countless moments of the trials involved in raising a girl, with her. Virginia got me to lighten up, laugh at myself, to love the life we have, to embrace what we learn, & to remember that raising kids is never easy, (especially during the Pierce County Fair!!!!), but it's ALWAYS rewarding.

    It is said "it takes a village to raise a child"; Virginia's "village" contribution to my daughter, McKenna's, life is sizable. Both McKenna & I will be forever grateful to her family for sharing Virginia with the rest of us.

    We will miss her too.

    With much love,
    Kristen & McKenna Kaszynski

12. Kathy Paryzek May 8, 2018, at 3:46pm

    Stephanie and Jorden,
    Our hearts go out to you during this difficult time.
    We send our love and prayers to you both.
    Love, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Chip, and Katryn

13. Jan Fisher May 8, 2018, at 3:45pm

    So sorry for your loss. Prayers for the family.

14. Debbie and Greg May 8, 2018, at 3:22pm

    So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers to all. God Bless.

15. Suzi Crownhart May 8, 2018, at 1:22pm

    My deepest sympathy to Steve and his family. I am so sorry for your loss.

16. Pat and Bud Burns May 8, 2018, at 1:11pm

    Stephanie and Jorden,
    We are so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers today and always.
    Love, Aunt Pat and Uncle Bud

17. Rose Glatczak May 8, 2018, at 11:09am

    I am so sorry for your loss. She will be greatly missed by everyone that knew her!

18. Liz and Galen Kirchner May 8, 2018, at 9:16am

    I’m in shock, you guys I’m so sorry. I pray that God will comfort you through this time. Miss Stephanie if you need anything let me know. Love you, Pa and Ma

19. Judson Barneburg May 8, 2018, at 9:08am

    So very sorry for your loss. Sending my thoughts and prayers.

20. Gary & Roxann Peterson May 8, 2018, at 8:19am

    Our sympathy to Steve and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Virginia.

21. Gloria and George Welk May 8, 2018, at 8:16am

    Dear Steve, We are sorry to hear of your great loss. We enjoyed meeting you in Texas and are keeping you and yours in our prayers. May God console you all and keep you in his care. Hope to renew friendship in future occasions. Gloria and George

22. Dick Bates May 8, 2018, at 8:11am

    Family of Virginia Geraets:
    So sorry to hear of your loss. We will remember Virginia in our prayers.

    Dick & Jan Bates

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