Virginia (Ginni) Lee Wilhelm passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, 2026, in Sioux City, IA, surrounded by family after a brief illness.

She was born on May 20, 1940, in Fort Thompson, Buffalo, South Dakota to the late Inez LaRoche and Benjamin Thompson.

She was a school aide in numerous school buildings for over 30 years in the Sioux City School District.

With heavy hearts we remember a beautiful soul whose kindness, love, and warmth touched the lives of so many people. She had a heart of gold, a gentle spirit, and a beauty shone far beyond her outward appearance. She was a kind person who made people feel special, who offered love without hesitation, and who left lasting memories in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was loved by so many, and she gave much love in return. Though her presence is no longer with us, her beautiful spirit will live on through the lives she touched, the kindness she shared and the memories that will forever be treasured.

She cherished the time she spent with her family and friends finding happiness in the simple things that made life special like her lunch outings and shopping trips. Her special friend, Darlene Banta of over 50 years, held a special place in her heart and was a cherished part of her life. Her beloved dog, Toby, also held a very dear place in her heart and he brought her so much joy and companionship. She was deeply proud of her Native American heritage and the roots that shaped the person she became. She carried her heritage with pride and loved sharing stories about her life, her family, and her many experiences growing up. In addition, she enjoyed the comfort and nostalgia of watching old movies and her favorite television shows in her favorite chair surrounded by her collections of pandas and turtles.

She is survived by her daughter, Amy (Mick) Lefler; 3 sons, Stephen Wilhelm, Kurt (Karen) Wilhelm, and Ryan Wilhelm; two sisters, Alverda Meyer of Reading MN, Kathy Carroll of Coon Rapids MN; three brothers, Merle (Linda) Houser of Seattle WA, Rod (Debbie) Houser of Colorado Springs CO, and Kenny (Sharon) Houser of Rochester MN; five grandchildren, Tyler (Kristi) Wilhelm, Austin (Harlee) Lefler, Andrew (Deanna) Lefler, Alyssa (Hagan Alex) Jacobson, and Amanda (Ben) Macke; six great grandchildren, Aspen, Avorie, Calum, Lainey, Reagan, and Charlie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather Thadius Alverda Houser; husband, Ronald Wilhelm; and sister, Patricia Daniels.

At Ginni's request there will be no service at the present time. A private family and friends celebration of life will be held at a later date along with the burial of her ashes in Calvary Cemetery at that time.

Meyer Brothers Chapel is honored to serve the family of Ginni Wilhelm.