Virginia "Ginger" Borst

Graduated from Muldoon HS in 1958
Attended Alverno College, Milwaukee, Wi 1958-59 where she met her husband.
She worked at WTVO for a while and while there acquired the nickname “Ginger Peachy” as she helped “Melvin the Clown” by ushering the kids in and out of the studio. The name stuck and to this day she is still Bob’s Ginger Peachy.
Married Bob Borst on Sept 2nd, 1961 in Rockford, IL at St Peters Cathedral.
One of their wedding gifts was the Papal Blessing of Pope John the 23rd, obtained through the kind efforts of a cousin, Mary Misuraca.
It must have worked because they would have celebrated their 55th Wedding anniversary this year.
After the wedding they traveled across the USA to their Honeymoon Cottage in Vista, CA.
Bob’s military service was completed in August 1962, after Suzanne was born, and the family relocated to Milwaukee Wi, where Ginger worked at the GEX department store, using the experience she gained at her father’s Ace Hardware Store in Rockford. She also enjoyed breeding Siamese cats, instilling a love for animals in all of her children.
In 1969, Ginger, her husband and their now two children, Bobbi was born in 1965, returned to Rockford.
Her life was a skillful blend of Faith, Family, Friends and her Job. She managed the family “books” while Bob worked and went to night school. A trend that started soon after the left the service and moved to Milwaukee.
Mark was born in 1973 and completed the family picture. When the children were all in school, Ginger returned to work, full time, as a commission salesperson providing specialty food items to the Kroger, Logli, Hilander and Eagle grocery store in Northern Illinois and Southern WI. She worked for Thoms-Proestler Company, Bettendorf,IA for about 25 years.
Her job as an outside salesperson, with schedule flexibility, allowed her to be present for many of the children’s activities, be a room mother and chaperone trips.
She attended Holy Family Church since the early 1970’s. Ginger, her Mother Marge Ingrassia and her Sister Carol Benhoff , with others, worked on all the costumes for the Parish “Happening” fund raisers. They ran for several years.
Ginger spent about 11 years working with the Rockford United Soccer Club while Mark was on the traveling team. She was a team Mother and worked on setting up travel for away tourneys. Ginger was in charge of the Tee shirt and Umbrella sales and the watermelons for the clubs annual “Watermelon” tournament
When she quit working and the children had spread their wings and moved on her time was spent in mostly reading and travel. With her husband, and sometimes the kids, she traveled back to California, several times. She especially enjoyed flying into Portland or San Francisco, renting a car and driving down the coast, to San Diego to visit Bob’s brother. Stopping at the wineries and Missions along the way was most enjoyable. There were also friends to visit from days in the service and their time in Milwaukee.
California was the favorite destination. Trips were also made to Charleston, Louisville, the Black Hills, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Door County, WI, Lake Michigan lighthouses, Alaska on 2 occasions, and a tour of the New England States.
She also enjoyed Jazz with the local After5 Jazz group being a favorite. Her Grandson, Greg Clough Jr. plays stand-up Bass. When Dave Brubeck and his combo were performing in the Midwest, Bob and Ginger would travel to whatever state and enjoy the timeless music.



Thank You

OSF ST Anthony’s Pepe Cancer Center
Dr. Mete Kormaz and his Staff.
A good man doing a tough job, extremely well.

OSF St Anthony’s Hospital 4 WEST
Sonya, Brenda, Dennis Kathy, Suzy…..the list goes on and on.
Provided an Excellent combination of care and caring by dedicated people at all levels

Rosewood Skilled Nursing Center
Took good care of us during our short stay

Heartland Hospice
Dr. Howard Weiss and his “A-Team”
Lindsey, Becca, Christine, Pam & many others.
Ministered to not only the patient but the family as well.
Educated us in the care of the patient and of ourselves.
Explained things.

All of the above provide a welcome mix of Clinical Expertise, administrative assistance and compassionate caring skillfully combined with a little touch of humor at exactly the right time to ease the ever present seriousness of the situation.

May God Bless them and keep them well so they can continue serving others as they served our family.

Ginger is survived by her Husband Robert T. Borst Her Children Suzanne M. Hale (Don Williams) Bobbi L Clough and Mark A. Borst (Lisa)
Grandchildren, Miranda R. Smith (Matt) Jordan T. Hale Gregory T. Clough, Jr Paige A. Clough Xandru T. Borst, Brogan O Borst
Great Grandchildren Jack R. Smith, Sam M. Smith
Sisters Patrice M. Ingrassia, Andrea L. Grover (Randy) Brother-in-Laws William Borst (Peggy), Dennis Benhoff, Barry Stevenson
Several Nieces and Nephews and Great nieces and nephews and many cousins
7 Granddogs and 3 Grandcats.
Ginger is predeceased by her parents S. Theodore and M Marjorie(Carroll) Ingrassia in-laws Otto and Alice (Annie Pitcowciz) Borst. Sisters Carol Benhoff, Marcia Stevenson. Son-in-law Gregory T. Clough Sr.