Virginia M. Margritz Obituary

Mass of Christian Burial for Virginia M. Margritz will be conducted from St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, Nebraska on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Paul Colling and Father Jose Chavez as concelebrants.  Interment will be in the St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery at Lexington, following the services.

Virginia Mary Josephine Margritz, 81 years of age, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 21, 2017 at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.  Virginia was born June 25, 1936 at Julesburg, Colorado, the second of three children born to Joseph A. and Katherine V. (Kukla) Schmitt. When the children were young they made their home in Grant, Nebraska until 1951, at which time they moved to Julesburg, Colorado.  In 1954, the family moved to Missouri before settling to Lexington. As a young girl, Virginia was introduced to her love of riding horses by her older brother, Donnie. Special memories riding the countryside together were formed that lasted a lifetime.

Virginia received her primary education from Grant, Nebraska and Julesburg, Colorado. She then attended parochial school at St. Patrick's High School in Sidney, Nebraska, graduating with the class of 1954. Her formative years in Catholic school is where Virginia dedicated her life as a servant to her Lord, and a true "Prayer Warrior" she became. During her senior year she met her future husband, Gerald Allen Margritz of Lexington. After high school, she pursued nursing school in Kansas City, Missouri.

Virginia introduced her sister, Donna to Gerald's brother, Leo. The two sisters married brothers, and many special memories were made raising their families together in the rural Lexington, and Overton area. Virginia and Gerald were united in marriage on June 23, 1955 at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, and to this union eight children were born: Pam, Randy, David, Mark, Joyce, Janet, Patty, and Jody.

The family made their home on the family farm eight miles east, and a mile north of Lexington. Caring for every need of her large family was her entire focus when the children were young. Countless meals were lovingly prepared, and needless to say Mom wore many hats that included: nurse when accidents happened playing with siblings, school tutor, serving as family counselor when life experiences occurred, disciplinarian when teenagers needed direction, encouraging advisor throughout many years of sports, and of course laundry attendant, to only name a few. All was done with love, and respect to reach the goal of raising a Christian family. On November 11, 1989, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry.  

After Jerry's passing, the farming operation was passed down to sons: Randy and Dave, and Virginia moved into Lexington. After moving into town, Virginia's caring ways for children continued as a school cook at Pershing Elementary until her retirement. For the past four years, due to her failing health she began to make her home at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege to be near her daughters.

After grandchildren, and great-grandchildren arrived, they became the highlight of her life. And, in return they adored the ground Grandma Ginger walked on. On a daily basis her entire family, and many friends were in her prayers. She was a longtime member of the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington, where she taught first communion class for over ten years, and served as a member of the Altar Society.

She leaves to celebrate her life; her eight children:  Pam Burchett of Bastrop, Texas; Randy Margritz and his wife, Patti of rural Lexington; David Margritz and his wife, Barb of Lexington; Mark Margritz and his wife, Gloria of New Braunfels, Texas; Joyce Cornell and her husband, Rodney of Elm Creek, Nebraska; Janet Fiene of Holdrege; Patty Kohtz and her husband, Bruce of Kearney, Nebraska; and Jody Bauer and her husband, Ryan of Holdrege; seventeen grandchildren: Eric, Nathan, and Jake Burchett; Lucas Margritz; Thomas Margritz and his wife, Zuerela; Josh Margritz and his wife, Sandy; Katie Niver and her husband, Erik; Audra and Aiden Margritz; Jerilyn Kliewer and her husband, Tim; Claire Cornell; Emma and Cole Fiene; Austin Hilkemann; Jordyn and Chase Kohtz; and Blare Bauer; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald Schmitt and his wife, Lucille of Red Feather Lakes, Colorado; sister-in-law, Julene Margritz of Lexington; brother-in-law, Frank Mavetz and his wife, Janet of Canton, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Besides her parents, and husband, Jerry, she was preceded in death by her sister, Donna Margritz and her husband, Leo; sister-in-law, Catherine Mavetz; and brother-in-law, Charles Margritz.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the St. Ann's Catholic Church in Lexington with a Wake Service held at 7:00 p.m. at the church, guided by Sister Mary Ann Flax.

A memorial has been established in Virginia's honor, and kindly suggested to the St. Ann's Catholic Church or the St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery in Lexington.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.