Virginia Gruenwald

PAID OBITUARY

Virginia, a lifelong Cedarburg resident, through God’s grace, combined with her faith in the risen Savior, was born to eternal life on Tuesday, April 17, at the age of 93 years.  

She was the beloved wife of Harvey for over 71 years, who was called home to be with the Lord this past December. Virginia was the loving mother of Cheryl (Peter) Moulds of Minocqua, Karl (Judith Knight) of Milwaukee and  Curtis (Deborah) Gruenwald of Port Washington; and cherished and loving grandmother of Jon C. (Erika) Gruenwald of Port Washington.  

Virginia is further survived by her sister-in-law Lois Jung of Cedarburg, along with other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey, parents Ray J. and Hulda Jung, brother Ray W. Jung, father and mother-in-law Carl and Lilly Gruenwald, along with their daughter Alice Gruenwald.

A lifelong resident of Ozaukee County, Virginia was born and raised in Cedarburg.  She was a “Main Street kid,” growing up in the downtown family furniture business. Her circle of friends were closely rooted there and expanded over the years. She personally experienced so much from the early days of transportation to include traveling on the electric Interurban Railway and the evolution of motor vehicles, along with endless improvements in travel, be it by car, bus or air. Beyond that, simply consider where things were at in her early years vs. where things are at now when it comes to education, technology, public services, medical advances, travel and communication. At times there would be conversations as to “just how things have changed.”

Jinny attended Cedarburg public schools during all of her school years and graduated from Cedarburg High School. During her years there, she was active in a variety of school activities to include the school band and marching band, as well as being honored as the prom queen during her junior year. Her special high school friend, being devoted to his country, enlisted in the Navy, and during that time he was away from home, she attended and graduated from the Milwaukee School of Business.  

Shortly after his return from serving during World War II, they were married on Nov. 9, 1946, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedarburg.   

During this time, she also worked in the family business with a variety of responsibilities.

Upon his return, Harvey began working for his father-in-law, and later he purchased half interest in the family business to be known as Jung-Gruenwald Furniture & Appliance.  Jinny continued to help out, but her priorities focused on home and family.  Many years later, Harvey sold his interest and formed a business partnership with his son Curtis until his retirement in 1986.

For a number of years after retirement, Harvey and Jinny continued helping out, since business and working with customers and remaining active was so much a part of them. Both were always there to lend a hand and dig in helping others, be it family, friends or neighbors. Their home that they resided in for close to 60 years always had an open door.

Virginia adored spending time in the Northwoods of Wisconsin on North Twin Lake in Phelps. Having gone there since being a very young child, she would recollect the days of traveling there, leaving at sunrise and getting there just before sundown in the Ford Model A, traveling on gravel roads that were less than desirable. Many special cherished Northwoods memories were created there in the early days leading to the days of having their own children enjoying it with them, as well as the days of having a grandchild there. It has become a Northwoods tradition being amidst God’s creation and beauty in the Northwoods.  

In earlier years, Virginia was also active in a variety of organizations to include being very involved in her church and various organizations within the community. Of most importance and significance is her making it clear that she was knowing where she was going based on her relationship with Jesus and knowing her creator, redeemer and sustainer.  Everything else is temporal with that being eternal.      

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, May 4, at Friedens Church, with visitation from 4:30 until the service. The church is located at 454 N. Milwaukee St., Port Washington, WI 53074.  

A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow the service.  Everyone is invited to attend this special time of remembrance and celebration of life.

Cards may be addressed to the family in care of the church address.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Friedens Church or memorials of your choice in memory of Virginia are appreciated by the family.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Port Washington is serving the family, with private burial in the family plot at Zur Ruhe Cemetery in Cedarburg.

Many thanks for the special care provided by individuals at St. Mary’s Hospital and especially the love and compassionate care provided by the dedicated and professional staff at Lincoln Village Retirement & Assisted Living Community in Port Washington. There are far too many individuals to list since everyone there treated Jinny as if she was their own mom.     

Along with that goes appreciation to everyone associated with Allay Home & Hospice of Jackson.  Special thanks to Dr. Tom Shewczyk of Homestead Family Health Center for his professional as well as tender loving care.

The Ozaukee County community at large is so fortunate and blessed to have these individuals who treat those they are caring for as if they were their own family. Our family is deeply grateful for all of you!