Virginia A. Crane

Virginia A. Crane, 69, Allouez, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, April 25, 2013. She was born January 18, 1944, in Wausau to the late William and Shirley (Call) Payne.

Survivors include her 2 sons, Andrew (Christine) and Charles Crane; grandchildren, Katie, Ethan, Lucy, and Nolan Crane; brother, Bill Payne; sister, Judith Payne; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Ginnie was preceded in death by her parents and sister-in-law, Emalee Payne.

Ginnie was a proud, caring mother for her two sons. Although she was quiet and reserved with some people, when she spent time with her grandchildren she was full of joy, hugs, and laughter. She was a wonderful "Nanna."

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh with a major in English and a minor in journalism, Ginnie reported for publications in the Fond du Lac area, including the Fond du Lac Reporter. Years later, she used her writing talents as the Advertising Director with Mark D. Olejniczak Realty. In 1985, she won the W. E. Payne Memorial Award, an honor named for her father, for the most outstanding display ad of the year. Ginnie spent 31 years with the realty company, a place that provided great meaning to her life and an even greater group of friends.

Ginnie was an avid gardener; her home and yard were always filled with plants and flowers. She also loved watching football, especially the Packers and Badgers.

Family and friends may call Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm. A funeral service will be celebrated at the funeral home on Wednesday at 6:00pm, with Pastoral Associate Ann Froelich officiating. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery in Wausau.