Virginia R. Kocina

Obituary

Virginia “Ginger” (Mayer) Kocina was born on October 16, 1934, in Glencoe, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Raymond and Myrtle (Roen) Mayer.  Virginia was baptized as an infant and later confirmed in her faith as a youth at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Glencoe.  She received her education and graduated from Glencoe High School with the class of 1952.

On June 4, 1953, Ginger was united in marriage to Frank J. Kocina at St. George Catholic Church.  They made their home in Glencoe and raised 6 wonderful children: Steve, Lonny, John, Linda, Frank “Sam”, and Mary.  Frank was the great love of her life, and they were blessed to share over 71 years together when Frank passed away on April 14, 2025.

Countless memories were made when Ginger and Frank traveled all over the U.S. in their camper van; road trips together held a special place in their hearts. Any time she spent with her family was treasured.

Ginger was a loving wife, mother, and homemaker.  She was a long-time member of the Church of St. Pius X.  As a member of the Council of Catholic Women, she organized funeral luncheons for the church for many years.  She enjoyed reading, sewing, and watching the birds as well as cooking and baking. Many of her recipes are still cherished by her family. She especially loved getting together monthly with her bridge club.  Her desserts were always a favorite, and their friendship continued long after they stopped playing cards.

Ginger passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Grand Meadows Senior Living in Glencoe at the age of 90.  Blessed be her memory.

Ginger is survived by her
Children, Steve Kocina and his wife, Vicki, of Brainerd, MN,
                Lonny Kocina and his wife, Robin, of New Prague, MN,
                John Kocina and his wife, Sandy, of Good Thunder, MN,
                Linda Ratike and her husband, Jeff, of Glencoe, MN,
                Frank “Sam” Kocina and his wife, Julie, of Savage, MN,
                Mary Kline and her husband, Rick, of Crossville, TN;
Grandchildren, Scott Ratike, Andy (Danielle) Ratike, Frank “Joe” (Michelle) Kocina, Alex Kocina, Evan (fiancé, Kathy Maharaj) Kline, Claire (Patrick) Ryan, Jason (Melissa) Kocina, Clayton (Kathleen) Kocina, Jason (significant other, Becca Hahn) Kocina, Marc (Katie) Kocina;
16 Great-Grandchildren;
Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Ginger was preceded in death by her husband, Frank Kocina; Father and Mother, Raymond and Myrtle Mayer; Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Frank Sr. and Mary Kocina; Brothers, Robert Mayer (Betty), James Mayer (his first wife, Lorraine “Kem”; and second wife, Marilyn); Sister, Helen Mayer; Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Harold Kocina, Elaine Hardy (John), and Ronald Kocina (Irene).