Virginia L. Farquhar “Ginger”, age 80 of Buffalo MN, passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2021. She was born February 2, 1941 in Peoria, Illinois the daughter of Robert and Lelia (Belk) Shannon. Ginger also grew up with one of her closest aunts, Elda Belk, playing a big role in how she was raised and introducing her to her love of music.
Ginger graduated from Peoria High School with the class of 1959 where she excelled in music, she even recorded an album. She attended Bradley University, being a member of the Bradley University Choir and also sang light opera. The choir traveled to various places to perform, even performing in Washington DC. On April 13, 1963, Virginia Shannon and Robert Farquhar were united in marriage in Peoria, Illinois. Ginger was a wonderful teacher at the Peoria Public School District, Marshfield Public School District, Assembly Christian Academy and Peoria First Assembly Christian School. Ginger and Robert were the founding members of Assembly Christian Academy in Marshfield, WI. She was always involved with many youth groups and youth ministries throughout all her life. Ginger later began a career as a supervisor with the American Red Cross in Peoria, IL, retiring in 2003. During her time there she helped organize donor data on computers at the Heart of America Blood Services office. In 2011, her long-time Red Cross supervisor donated his kidney to her. She later gave back the gift of life by being a donor after life through LifeSource Organ, Eye, and Tissue Donation.
Family was the most important part of Ginger’s life. She was a faithful and dedicated member of several churches, recently at Buffalo Community Assembly of God in Buffalo. She enjoyed attending church, photo and video editing, cooking for her family, and scrapbooking. She was very creative, arranging floral pieces and decorating her home. She loved animals and enjoyed feeding and watching birds.
Ginger truly had a big heart, being so compassionate and generous, always willing to help others. She will dearly be missed by all!
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Lelia Shannon; and special aunt, Elda Belk.
Ginger is survived by her husband, Robert Farquhar; children, Jefferson Farquhar, Susan (Bradley) Hanson; grandchildren, Shanna, Brenna, Mikayla, Karissa and Tianna Farquhar, Courtney, Collin and Carter Hanson; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Johnson and Karina Mora; siblings-in-law, Carole Farquhar, Roberta Plake (Robert’s twin sister), and David Plake; along with many other family and friends.
Funeral service will be held Monday, February 22, 2021 at 1:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 11:00 AM, at Buffalo Community Assembly of God. Burial will follow at Swedish Mission Cemetery in Buffalo. Memorials to the Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester, MN (www.gift-of-life.org) are appreciated.
Serving the family is The Peterson Chapel in Buffalo. 763-682-1363. www.thepetersonchapel.com.
Aunt Ginger I love you and you will always be an Angell in my heart.
I am blessed to have known you for many years, I’ve never seen you without a big smile and a huge heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family, Bob and your children, and your grandchildren, I’m truly going to miss hearing everything that your family is thriving at,I’ve enjoyed the stories for over the years. Love your hairstylist, Laurie
Ginger was a wonderful co worker and supervisor at the Red Cross Blood Services. She was always kind, caring and understanding. Ginger was a wonderful person with a beautiful heart.
Our loving thoughts and prayers are with the Farquar family during this difficult time. Ginger was a beautiful soul and her laugh was contagious. I was fortunate to have her as a supervisor for a short period of time while I worked for the American Red Cross Heart of America Blood Region. She was a dedicated and hardworking individual who had a heart of gold. There was one meeting in which she shared a story that had all of us in stitches. Her smile and gentle leadership helped all of us be the best we could be. Our hearts are with each of you! She will never be forgotten as her kindness and acts of love will continue through her example. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
I have memories of working with Ginger at Grant Elementary in Marshfield. A kind woman with an easy smile. She will certainly be missed by the many she touched. My sympathy to the family.
Some of my favorite years of teaching were team teaching with Ginger at Grant School in Marshfield, WI. She was a fun, warm, and devoted teacher. It seemed like everyone she made a friendly relationship with were left with a positive smile.
My condolences to Ginger’s family. I remember well the summers several of us in our neighborhood walked together early every morning, putting on many miles and sharing many of life’s lessons. I learned much from Ginger as I’m sure many others did. May wonderful memories fill the hearts of all who miss her.
Uncle Bob, and family I’m so sorry for your loss Ginger was an angel on Earth as she now is with the Lord’s I’ll miss her dearly and I love her always