Virginia Mae “Ginny” (nee Heling) Utke, age 84 of Shawano, passed away peacefully Friday evening, August 18, 2023, at the Cottages Memory Care Unit where she had been a resident for the past eighteen months. Ginny was born February 26, 1939, in Shawano County, a daughter of the late Robert and Maggie (Brusewitz) Heling. She attended Riverside School in the Town of Waukechon then Shawano High School, graduating with the Class of 1957.  Following high school, Ginny worked at Montgomery Ward. On April 26, 1958, she was united in marriage to Harry Utke at St. John Lutheran Church-Belle Plaine. Following their marriage, the couple lived on and farmed the Utke Farm in the Town of Belle Plaine. Harry preceded her in death on January 25, 1998. In addition to farming, Ginny also worked at the Shawano Equity Co-Op from 1989 until July of 2000 when she retired.  On May 10, 2003, Ginny married Donald Tilligkeit at St. John Lutheran Church Belle Plaine where she was the church organist for over forty years. Donald preceded her in death on December 27, 2012. Ginny loved to travel, polka dance, and bowl. She was a member of the Shawano Red Hat Society and T.O.P.S.

Survivors include her son, Danny (Bonnie) Utke of the Town of Belle Plaine; her grandchildren, Nick Utke of the Town of Belle Plaine, and Rachel (Adam) Zimmermann of Manitowoc; her great-grandson, Beau Zimmermann; two sistersin-law, Ruth Heling, and Romaine Utke, both of Shawano; and many nieces and nephews. Ginny was preceded in death by her sister, Junis Heling; five brothers, Milan, Kenneth, Vernon, Gerald, and Orline Heling; and three nephews, Robert Utke, Randy Utke, and Dohn Heling.

A funeral service for Ginny will be held on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 11:00 am at St. John Lutheran Church-Belle Plaine. Pastor Todd Jerabek will officiate.  Visitation will begin at the church at 9:00 am and continue until the time of service. Burial will take place in the church cemetery. A memorial fund will be established in Virginia’s name.

Mickelson Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc. of Shawano is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences at www.mickelsonfs.com.