Virginia L. "Ginny" Hinkens

Virginia L. "Ginny" Hinkens, age 82, of Appleton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. She was born on August 28, 1941 in New London, WI, the daughter of the late Gilbert and Helen (Kaufman) Kester.
On December 26, 1959, Ginny married the boy next door, J. Duane Hinkens. He preceded her in death on September 25, 1999.
Ginny was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Appleton, and the Elk Ladies. She worked for Zwicker Knitting Mills for many years while raising her children. She then worked for Alft's Decorators in Wisconsin Rapids. After returning to the Appleton area, Ginny worked at You're Special Gifts and Collectibles, and also at Furniture Phases.
Ginny loved shopping, especially for her grandsons. She loved redecorating, socializing, doing word find puzzles and watching Wisconsin sporting events on TV. Ginny especially loved serving with the Elks Clubs in Wisconsin Rapids, Appleton, and Neenah/Menasha. In 2016, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2020 she was named the Elk Lady of the Year. Ginny truly treasured her Elk friends, and was known for her heart of gold.
Ginny is survived by her son, Jay (Beth) Hinkens; daughter, Lynn Hinkens; grandsons, AJ and Tim Hinkens; sisters, Barb (Phil) Schlafer, and Molly (Bob) Tews; brother, Rodger (Nina) Kester; brother-in-law, Don Thews; sister-in-law, Mary Hinkens; special family members, Bob and Julie Berg, Stephen (Karmen) Berg and Kevin Berg; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Duane Hinkens; her daughter, Dawn Hinkens; brothers-in-law, Romy Hinkens, Daryl Hinkens, and Dick Hahn; sisters-in-law, Beata Hahn, Barb Hinkens and Bonnie Thews.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 11:00 am at Faith Lutheran Church, 601 E. Glendale Dr., Appleton. Pastor Dan Thews will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. Visitation will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Wednesday, from 9:00 am until 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established for the Appleton Elks Lodge #337.