Virginia “Ginger” Bigalke

Virginia “Ginger” Diana Bigalke, a beloved member of Mountain View, Ark., joined her husband Werner and her Lord and Savior Jesus in heavenly glory on Dec. 6, 2024, at the age of 94.

Old age could not catch her; however, she succumbed to injuries sustained from an accident. Ginger was born in Harrison near Tomahawk  on Nov. 7, 1930, to Seivert and Maria Klaver. After the death of her mother when she was 2 years old, she spent her childhood at St. Joseph’s Orphanage in Superior.

She spent the years after her time in the orphanage moving around until she settled in Rhinelander and had five children. She met her second husband Werner, the absolute love of her life, in her late 40s and they married shortly after. Werner and Ginger traveled the world together touring Europe extensively as well as taking many adventures throughout the United States, and even spending time in Israel. Ginger remained a devoted volunteer until her last day of life, working for the Stone County Medical Center Auxiliary as well as regularly visiting the local nursing home to deliver fruit to residents. She adored her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found great joy in their phone calls and visits, often looking at them and telling them how much she loved them. 

Many of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren have fond memories of playing Marbles and Jokers at her kitchen table, but they seldom won. Rumor had it that Grandma would change the rules for her own favor and, if you did win a game of marbles, she was sure to call you a cockroach, all with a grin and a twinkle in her eye. Ginger always spoke her mind, standing firm in her beliefs. Her life was one of hard work, love, and giving back. Ginger will be remembered for her generous spirit and her unyielding strength.

She is preceded in death by her husband Werner, all 11 of her siblings, and her son, Brian. She is survived by her children Bobbette (James) LaVoy, Alyce (Harry) Jacob, Nanette (Skip) Avitts, and Gary (Kristy) Mangerson, 17 grandchildren, and 33 great-grandchildren.

There will be a visitation at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. where family and friends will gather to honor her remarkable life with Pastor Dan Schmidt officiating.

There will be an internment at a later date.

Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, Arkansas is in charge of the arrangements.