Virginia A. Stenlund

Virginia Ann Stenlund, age 93, of Rapid River passed away Wednesday, September 20, 2023 in Muskego, WI. She was born March 24, 1930 in Milwaukee, WI and was the daughter of Joseph and Ann (Jackovac) Pavletich. Virginia “Ginnie” was raised in West Allis, WI where she met her husband Bernard “Swede” Stenlund after he was discharged from the U.S. Navy. They married on October 22, 1949 in Waukegan, IL. Together they started their own company Aetna Van and Storage. While Swede was out working on the van, Ginnie was operating the business inside their home. She was the President, V.P., secretary and treasurer of the company while she raised six children over the next 25 years. Ginnie demonstrated enormous commitment to her family and to the company.

In 1977, they decided to sell the business, and move to Swede’s hometown in Rapid River. While Ginnie grew to love the quiet and outdoor life, it was a shock at first. Ginnie was a member of the Calvary Lutheran Church, where she served as a lector. She also was active with the Community Action Agency and the Rapid River Senior Center. Ginnie loved cooking and was known for her pasties, German Chocolate cakes and perch fries. She also enjoyed knitting, playing cards, dancing and taking fall color tours to Copper Country. But most of all, family was the most important to her.

Virginia is survived by her husband, of 73 years, Bernard; daughters, Kathryn Carini of Muskego, WI; Sandra (Ken) Ceranski of Muskego, WI; Nancy Birk of New Berlin, WI; sons, David Stenlund of Rapid River, MI; Paul (Kristie) Stenlund of Rapid River, MI, and Matthew (Jessie) Stenlund of Oak Creek, WI; grandchildren, Francesca Carini, Savannah and Jake Stenlund, Austin, Ryan (Olivia) and Nathan Stenlund, Andrew (Amanda) and Scott Birk; great grandchildren; Taylor, Madelyn, Ahmyla, Anna, Kevin and Zoie; brother, Joseph (Darlene) Pavletich; and several nieces and nephews.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother Donald Pavletich.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 29, 2023 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Rapid River. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday at the Calvary Lutheran Church Rev. Stephen Gauger officiating. Burial will take place in the Rapid River Cemetery. A luncheon will be served follow the burial in the Calvary Lutheran Church fellowship hall. The Anderson Funeral Homes of Escanaba and Gladstone are assisting the Stenlund family with the arrangements and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.

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