Virginia M. "Ginny" Dockweiler

Ginny was born on September 24 ^th , 1934, in La Crosse to Joseph and Valeria Gittens.  Ginny graduated from Aquinas High School in 1952.  She went on to study elementary education at UWL.  She received 2 master’s degrees:  the first in special education from UW-Madison and UWL, and the second in Learning Disabilities from UWL.  She taught in Madison for 10 years, La Crosse for 2 years, and La Crescent for 27 years where she taught special education.

Ginny found such joy in music.  This gave her another connection with children whom she loved so much.  While teaching in La Crescent, Ginny accompanied countless elementary school concerts and solo and ensemble contests for local high school students.  In addition, she was a faithful member of the Gospel Choir and UWL’s Choral Union.  Ginny served as the church organist at the Church of the Crucifixion in La Crescent for many years, having played for untold Sunday Masses, weddings and funerals over the last 7 decades.  She also played at Holy Cross in Dakota, and other churches in the area.  If there was a musical performance happening in the area, Ginny was probably involved in it, or had tickets to attend.

She and Gene took the opportunity to travel widely, with many trips abroad. They also spent several winters living as snow birds in Mesa, Arizona at the Good Life RV park, making many good friends along the way.

She lived for her family and could never get enough of their visits.  She was a gracious hostess and enjoyed gathering with her Bunco group.  She had many devoted friends and her bulletin board at Bethany St Joseph was never large enough to display all the cards and letters sent to her.

Another passion of Ginny’s was knitting.  She made 100s of infant hats and many infant sweaters that she donated to Mayo Health System, La Crosse, as well as gifted to friends and family.

Ginny was such a kind soul who easily made friends.  Her caring and compassion knew no bounds.  Her sense of gratitude and joy at life’s everyday things inspired all around her.

Ginny was preceded in death by two infant sisters; her parents; her brother, David (Pat) Gittens; and her husband, Eugene Dockweiler.

Ginny is survived by her brother, Joe (Donna) Gittens of Holmen, Wisconsin; 2 children, Ernie Bell (Heather Christensen) of Dakota, Minnesota and Andy (Meg) Bell of Rosemount, Minnesota; a step-son, Jim (April) Dockweiler of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Tia (Shane) Chapman, Matthew, and Thomas; as well as a great-grandchild, Ryan.

A special thank you to the staff at Bethany St. Joseph Care Center for taking such good care of mom, and to all of mom’s friends who visited her regularly at BSJ over the last 3 years.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29th, 2023, at Crucifixion Catholic Church, 423 S 2nd St, La Crescent, MN 55947. Rev. John L. Evans II will officiate. Interment will be held at Crucifixion Cemetery immediately following mass. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, April 28th, 2023 at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services of La Crescent and one hour prior to mass at the church. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. on Friday night.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the La Crescent-Hokah Public Schools elementary or secondary music program, the Church of the Crucifixion school music program, the La Crescent-Hokah public school special education program, the La Crescent Library or to an organization of your choice in Ginny’s name. Luncheon to follow.