A memorial service for Virginia “Ginny” Jane (Boschee) Helleksen will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov 20, at the First Lutheran Church, 301 W. Clark Street, Albert Lea. The family will welcome visitors at the church one hour prior to the service.

Ginny died on Nov 2, 2011, at The Lutheran Home in Belle Plaine. She was preceded in death by her husband A.C. “Skip” Helleksen; her brother Charles Boschee; her parents Edwin and Linda Boschee; and her in-laws Keese and Petra Helleksen. She is survived by her children: Gwen (Bo) Spurrier, Linda Helleksen, Stephen (Adele) Helleksen, Charles (Trina) Helleksen; her grandchildren: Phoebe (Mike) Sederstrom, Anne (Aaron) Spurrier, Gena (Jason) Spurrier, Milinda Spurrier, Curtis Petrill, Ethan Petrill, AC Helleksen and Adele Helleksen; and great-grandchildren: Ella Trentman, Petra Sederstrom and Amelia Sederstrom. She is also survived by sisters: Deanna Gazette and Blanche (Herman) Hartmann; brother, Stanley Boschee; sisters-in-law: Joann (Gene) Goede and Delilah Boschee; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Growing up in the metropolis of Zeeland, N.D., she was raised in the tradition of Germans’ from Russia, on a steady diet of Strudel and Polka music. She was wooed away from the “Garden State” by the dashing Skip Helleksen. Through their nearly 50 years together they raised a family of exceptionally bright children and beautiful grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Skip and Ginny lived in many different communities before retiring to Albert Lea. Throughout her life, wherever she lived, she easily made friends and treasured those relationships. She was an enthusiastic “Church Basement Lady” who lived her faith through service to her church and community.

Voted “World’s Greatest Grandma,” Ginny relished time with her grandchildren. Whether it was riding the flume at the Mall of America, dancing to rap artist Sir Mix-A-Lot or attending school events Ginny could be counted on to participate with a smile.

Throughout her life Ginny was an example of grace and dignity. Alzheimer’s disease may have taken her mind but her spirit remained strong. She will be missed. Cards may be addressed to the family at 1717 Presidential Lane, Shakopee MN 55379. Flowers may be delivered directly to First Lutheran Church on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011.