Virginia Marie `Ginny` Rathman , Age 71


June 16, 1950 --February 16, 2022

Virginia "Ginny" Marie Rathman (Gaffney) sadly passed away on February 16, 2022 at the age of 71. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend who spent her final days surrounded by family and friends in Baraboo, WI.

Virginia was born to John Harold and Velma (Ellis) Gaffney on June 16, 1950 in Portage, WI. She was raised on the Gaffney family farm in Briggsville where many Irish songs were sung/whistled while taking care of all the daily chores.

She attended school in a one room schoolhouse for elementary classes and graduated from Wisconsin Dells High School. After graduating from high school, Virginia went straight into the workforce and often celebrated the end of the workday with friends at local establishments where she met her husband, Allen Rathman of Baraboo, WI. Together, they had 6 children: Jeremy, Joseph, Eric, Kelly, Nicole, and Bridget.

Virginia was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured all six of her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Grandma. She had a caring and loving soul that was contagious to everyone she encountered.

Virginia enjoyed spending time at the family farm in Briggsville on Sundays and had a talent of creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind, quilts for family and friends. Like snowflakes, there was never one quilt alike and each always had a personal touch for the person it was made for.

Virginia is survived by her husband of 46 years, Allen Rathman; three sons, Jeremy (Rachel) Rathman, Joseph (Taren) Rathman, and Eric Rathman (Cathy King); three daughters, Kelly Tiesing, Nicole (Nicholas) Anstett, and Bridget Rathman (Jacob Pulfer); and her 10 grandchildren, Teagan Rathman, Emma Rathman, Piper Rathman, Donavan Rathman, Savannah King, Kirsten King-Vieaux, Shani King-Vieaux, Tasha Tiesing, Reid Anstett, and Ryker Anstett. She is further survived by her two brothers, Dan Gaffney and Dennis (Lynn) Gaffney, one sister, Jane Gaffney, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, John Harold and Velma Gaffney and infant sister Iris Jo Gaffney.

A public visitation will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home from 10 am until 11:30 am. There will be a private family funeral and burial.

The family would like to thank the staff at St. Clare Meadows and St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo for caring for Virginia these past five months.



Condolences

Joan Brecka February 18, 2022

Friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

When I heard Ginny passed I said a little prayer for her and all of you she didn’t want to leave. Next I could her infectious laugh in my mind. You know the one All our love and prayers. Joan and Ron

Bill DeGarmo February 17, 2022

Cousin is Sturtevant , Wisconsin

So sorry for your loss. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Numbers 6;24-26 The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace. From the DeGarmo family

Sherry Lee February 18, 2022

Cousin Portage , Wisconsin

Our sympathies to the Rathman/Gaffney families. Prayers and Hugs ❤️ We sure had good times growing up!

Mary Lane Stanton Bork February 18, 2022

High-school friend Cochrane , Wisconsin

So sorry. She was a dear soul . We had some fun adventures in our high school days

Cindy Harvey February 18, 2022

Friend Portage , Wisconsin

So sorry to hear of your wife's passing Allen. I didn't get to know her but I'm sure she was a sweetheart. I used to work at Delmo's with you and made many memories. my maiden name was Smith. I now live in Portage and if you are ever in the area, please look me up. Sending my condolences.

Mina February 18, 2022

Cousin by marriage Paulden , Arizona

I am so sorry for your loss I know the feeling run deep in you heart ❤ my prayers are with you and your family.

Jean Isaacson February 24, 2022

Cousin Oxford , Wisconsin

So sorry to hear of Ginny’s passing! I know how she loved her family and the blessing you all were to her! You have Bill and my condolences!

Mark Isaacson And Family February 26, 2022

Cousin Oxford , Wisconsin

We are very sorry to hear of the passing of Ginny. Our thoughts and prays to the Rathman/ Gaffney family. She will be greatly missed.

Paula Steinhorst June 23, 2022

friend Baraboo , Wisconsin

We so miss Ginny and her happy go lucky spirit. She loved talking about her family and especially the family dinners - who will be bringing what and how good it was going to taste!!