Virginia Wilkening

A celebration of life will be held for Virginia “Ginny” Wilkening of Chaska, who passed away on Jan. 16, 2024, after a short battle with cancer, on Thursday, April 18, at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Snyder Auditorium in Chaska.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m., with the service to follow at 4 p.m.

Ginny celebrated her eternal birthday on her 70th birthday at home surrounded by loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and cherished memories.

Ginny was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on Jan. 16, 1954, to Charles and Hazel Berglund, and graduated from Marshalltown High School in 1972. She met her lifetime partner and soulmate, Sid Wilkening, in 1971, and they were united in marriage on Aug. 2, 1975, after her graduation from Marshalltown Community College dental assisting school.

Ginny was a very accomplished dental assistant in Iowa, and worked at Parkway Dental in the Twin Cities, where she had resided since 1983. Her professional life was marked by a commitment to excellence and a genuine concern for the well-being of others, and her dedication and compassion touched the lives of those around her.

Ginny is survived by her loving family: husband, Sid; daughter, Allyson Heimark (Brandon) of Alpine, Wyoming; and her four grandchildren, Nolan, Abby, Crosby and Jamison, who brought her so much joy. They adored their GG and will have many memories to cherish. She is also survived by her sisters, Barb Lorenzo (Dan) of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Nancy Overman (Tom) of Easley, South Carolina, as well as a large extended family, including her loving in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Her generosity knew no bounds, and she made a positive impact on the community with her warm spirit and willingness to lend a helping hand. A self-proclaimed “bird nerd,” Ginny greatly enjoyed her walks in the woods, and she was an avid gardener who loved being one with nature.

Ginny’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

The family prefers memorials to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, Attn.: Tributes, PO Box 860647, Minneapolis, MN 55486-0647, or arbtributes@umn.edu.