Virginia Koutsky

The family of Virginia (Ginny) Catherine Koutsky is saddened to announce her passing on June 16th at home in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She was 101. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Donald Koutsky, her daughter, Karen Marie Glaisyer, and her granddaughter, Kari Ann Glaisyer. She is survived by her immediate family; her daughter Kathryn A. Cohen, and sons, John F. Koutsky and James R. Koutsky; grandchildren Julia Billings, Rachel Cohen, Robert Glaisyer, Andrea King, Kayli Koutsky, and Matthew Koutsky; great grandchildren Oliver and Maren Billings; Lyncoln, Jax, and Kai King.

Ginny had a dry wit and keen sense of humor. Fiercely independent, she was steadfast in support of her family and friends. She was curious, always learning, and an avid reader. She loved the outdoors, camped, hunted and fished with her family. Ginny bought a cabin on a remote lake in Minnesota where she spent as much time as she could. She was an accomplished gardener. In her marriage, she worked closely with her husband, Dr. Carl Koutsky. During her years at his side, she complimented and enhanced his public work and in Klamath Falls, she managed his private practice.

Born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 16, 1924, she graduated from the University of Nebraska with a double major in Psychology and Sociology. On March 5, 1944 she married Dr. Carl Donald Koutsky, an MD with a specialty in Psychiatry.

In 1952, the family moved from Nebraska to St. Paul Minnesota, where Carl worked for the VA and Ginny planted her first garden. They moved to Minneapolis in 1956 where Carl took a position as a psychiatrist with the University of Minnesota. Seeking a change, in 1967, the family set off in their camper and began their Alaskan adventure! Carl became the first Superintendent of the newly built Alaska Psychiatric Institute in Anchorage. While Carl traveled to bring mental health services to small rural communities and villages, Ginny organized symposiums and mental health educational events in Anchorage. She planted another garden and joined the local Garden club to learn how to grow vegetables in the North.

Ginny had many interests. An accomplished and versatile craftsperson, her busy hands contributed thousands of craft items to her church to raise money for charitable work. Ginny enjoyed her involvement with the local Garden club where she made many good friends, served on the Board, and became certified as a judge for flower shows. At home, she raised award-winning African violets in her designated "plant room." Active in First United Methodist Church, she was known as the "Nut Lady" because she ordered nuts in bulk from NW producers so she could weigh and bag them to sell for the church.

Above all else, Ginny loved her family. She was a remarkable woman, well loved by everyone who knew her. She will be missed. Donations in her name can be made to the Northside Garden Club or a charity of your choice.