Virginia Mae Kreft

Virginia “Ginna or Ginny” (Phillips) Kreft passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Kreft Jr., three sisters, Peggy Harris, Margaret Ladwig, and Bernice Keto, and by one brother, Ray “Punk” Phillips.

Ginny is survived by her two daughters, Billie Kreft and Chrystina Melau both of Rhinelander, one grandson, Alex Towne of Rhinelander, and one brother, Mick (Judy) Phillips of Eagle River. Also surviving are two others that were a big part of her life and whom she greatly loved, Linda (Darrell) Swedhin of Loveland, Colo., and Kendra (Daryl) Kochel of Boise, Idaho, and three bonus grandchildren and their children.

Virginia was born in Rhinelander on January 8, 1934, to Raymond and Geraldine Phillips. On December 5, 1953, she married William A. Kreft Jr. from Tomahawk, at Foursquare Gospel Church. After residing in Rhinelander for a few years they moved across the road from William’s parents, William C. Kreft Sr. and Minnie Kreft. They moved to Irma in 1966 and owned a small hobby farm. Then in 1975, they returned to Rhinelander.

During her life, Virginia, worked various jobs, but the most important was being a wife, mother, homemaker and to raise her children, to love and serve God. When her children were grown, she worked for the Rhinelander Senior Center and was a part in the startup of the Rhinelander Alzheimer’s Association.

Virginia attended Northern Lights Church of God, 126 E. Timber Drive, Rhinelander. She loved God and served him with all her heart. She enjoyed reading and the Bible was her favorite book of all. She herself was also an author, when in 2013, her book titled “With My Hand in His,” was printed. It’s a collection of inspirational poetry, prose and other ponderings. 

One of Ginny’s final prayers was that all her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews would be saved.

A Celebration of Life for Ginny will take place on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at the Hildebrand Funeral Home, located at 24 E. Davenport Street. The visitation will begin at 3 p.m. with the service to follow at 4 p.m. Pastor Steve Price of the Northern Lights Church of God will officiate.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to sign the register book or leave an online condolence at http://www.hildebrandrussfh.com.