Virginia I. Locher, 73 of Austin, Minn., died Friday, Oct. 4, 2013, at Comforcare Good Samaritan Center in Austin.

Virginia Irene Guiney Locher was born Feb. 26, 1940, in Austin, Minn., to Ed and Irene (Smith) Guiney.  Virginia married John Ray Locher on Aug. 6, 1960, beginning a new chapter in their lives. They were married for 53 years and raised eight children. Virginia, aka “Ginny,” was a loving and devoted Wife, mother, doting grandmother, great-grandmother, mother-in-law, aunt, sister-in-law and a dear friend to many.

Ginny worked the night shift at Gerard Schools for emotionally challenged adolescents and teens in her early years of marriage. She later worked at Cedars, Burr Oak and St. Mark’s (nursing homes) until she retired in 2001.

Ginny enjoyed caring for others.  She always welcomed anyone into the Locher home with an open-door policy and wasn’t shy to provide hugs and kisses. Treating others (especially those less fortunate) with respect was an integral part of Ginny’s life, which she and John instilled the same morals and values to their children. Ginny enjoyed planting flowers outside her home with her husband, Johnny. She also enjoyed the holidays and spending precious time with her family. Christmas was a favorite holiday, and she enjoyed spoiling her grandchildren. Ginny was a wonderful and beautiful lady inside and out and touched many people’s lives during her time here on Earth. She will always be remembered for that keen sense of humor, wonderful personality, kindness and a generous heart. The fond memories of our beloved Ginny will live forever on in our hearts and lives. Her spirit is now free.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, stepfather and son, Christopher.

Virginia is survived by her husband, John Locher, Austin; sons and daughters-in-law: Dan and Cindy Locher, Apple Valley, Minn., John and Holly Locher, New Market, Minn.; daughters and sons-in-law: Dana and Randy Foote, Montgomery, Minn., Rebecca Locher and Jeff Hardtke, Rochester, Minn., Michelle and Aaron Mullenbach, Adams, Minn., Heidi Capretz and Tom Anderson, Austin, Sarah Locher and Don Meyer, Austin; 16 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Clasen-Jordan Mortuary Chapel with Father Paul Nelson officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour before the service on Tuesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.