Virginia R. "Ginnie" Cook

1922 - 2025

Virginia R. "Ginnie" Cook
Born: October 23, 1922 in Victor Township, IL
Died: September 7, 2025 in DeKalb, IL
Virginia R. "Ginnie" Cook 102 of DeKalb passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center in DeKalb. She was born on October 23, 1922, on the family farm in Victor Township, Illinois and was the daughter of Herbert and Estella (Augeson) Rompf.
Ginnie graduated from Waterman High School in 1939 and later earned her Bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University. On December 30, 1944, she married the love of her life, truly her best friend Wayne L Cook, a handsome Navy man home on leave during an ice storm. She taught high school home economics in Sycamore, Illinois during WWII, before starting their family. For 66 years, Ginnie and Wayne shared a journey filled with adventures, service and family until Wayne's passing in 2011.
Ginnie was a gracious "domestic engineer" known for her love of collecting, making and sharing recipes. She delighted in hosting circle of friends and family and included many bridge groups that she so enjoyed playing into her 90's. Many of her holiday recipes continue to be made each and every holiday by her daughters and granddaughters. Ginnie had a knack for creating lovely table settings, yummy healthy meals with ease and enforced the rule of no containers on the table even for informal family dinners.
Ginnie was an advocate for women/girls as an active participant in her community including Girl Scouting (camping included) 4H, PEO, AAUW, the Kishwaukee Hospital Auxiliary and served on most every committee as a member of the First Congregational United Church of Christ DeKalb. She was a life long supporter of NIU (Northern Illinois University) where she served as the first women vice president on NIU Foundation Board. Ginnie was a charter member of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority (Tri Sigma) on NIU campus. Her dedication together with cherished sorority sisters was recognized when the house was dedicated in her honor where she was a 75 year plus active member. She continued to get phone calls asking for advice well into her 90th year.
Ginnie and Wayne thoroughly enjoyed cheering on a variety of sport teams, with tailgating gatherings on those crisp Fall Saturday afternoons whether at NIU or Iowa State University where their daughters attended. Ginnie joined Wayne on the golf course later on as a quick learner of the game. She enjoyed various women's leagues, was a tough competitor at tournaments and looked forward to tee times at Kishwaukee County Club and Sara Bay Country Club in Sarasota. As a couple they made many memories and steadfast friends together on and off the course as they wintered on their cherished Lido Beach in Florida. It was a tradition to watch the sunset each night over the Gulf, waiting for that green flash!
Sports, mostly golf, football, and soccer, were watched, and if possible, in person, when her grandchildren would be competing. Gigi, as she was known by her Grandchildren, continued to be their encourager, cheerleader and supporter of whatever sports was being played. Even at age 100 she was traveling to visit friends and family so she could be a part of the "action". It might have been Ginnie's nightly apple, cheese/crackers snack and glass of wine that was her secret for her healthy extended life. Towards the last few years of her life, she often expressed "I've had a wonderful life" with a twinkle in her eye.
She has the following family members to carry on her love of life, two daughters; Janelle (John) Reints of DeKalb, and Jennifer (David) Amos of St. Louis Park, MN. Four grandchildren: John Wayne (McKenzie) Reints, Jennifer (Dr. Matthew) Teusink, Jaime Reints, and Callee Amos, 6 great-grandchildren: Aidan, Lennox, Emerson, Justin, Jacob. and Teddy. With several nieces and nephews that cherish her as their dear Aunt Ginnie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wayne, two brothers, Lowell, Harold (Donna), her sister-In-law's Beverly (Victor) Selby, and Doris (Roy) Follett.
A celebration of life will be held from 2:00pm-4:00pm Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Kishwaukee Country Club 1901 Sycamore Road, DeKalb with a toast to Ginnie around 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Virginia R Cook Memorial Fund. Arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak Street DeKalb 60115 815-758-3841.