Virginia Garz

Virginia Garz, age 92 passed away peacefully of natural causes at her home in Merced, CA, October 10, 2023.

Virginia Helen Lentz was born August 28, 1931 to Helen and Robert Lentz in Superior, WI.

Virginia spent most of her early years in the Waino/Oulu Wisconsin area. She and her brother Richard (Dick) spent a lot of time with their mother, Grandfather Emil, Great Grandmother Johanna Sorvisto, and loving extended families of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Virginia enjoyed a very special relationship with her first cousin Diana (like a sister) and her parents Walt and Ailie Johnson. Virginia was extremely close to them and remained close to Diana her entire life.

Virginia married Bud Nelson in 1947 and lived in Port Wing, WI until 1960.  They had 5 children together, Barbara, Susan, Bryan, Arlene and Douglas.

Virginia spent most of her adult life in California (Palo Alto and Merced). While in California she married the love of her life Don Garz. They enjoyed 62 happy years together and welcomed their son Steven in 1962.

Virginia was a very fun loving and caring person. She was extremely proud of her Finnish heritage and had that Sisu(determined) spirit. She (a jokester) could always speak Finnish and share her many jokes and stories. Virginia was an avid sports fan, especially the Green Bay Packers. She enjoyed sharing her baked goods (apple pie and caramel rolls) and canning/preserving (apricot) jam and sauce.

Virginia will be truly missed by her many family members and friends.

Virginia is survived by her immediate family members: Husband Don Garz, Merced, CA.   4 Children: Susan (Tom) Johnson, Traverse city, MI, Arlene (Paul) Tammaro, Cupertino, CA, Douglas (Nancy) Nelson, Superior, WI, and Steven (Diana) Garz, Le Grand, CA.   3 Grandchildren: Heidi Johnson Masse, De Pere, WI, Michael Tammaro, Los Angeles, CA, and Johanna (Tyler) Silveira, Merced, CA and 1 Great-Grandchild, Nathalie Masse. Sister-in-Law, Linda Kainu.  Daughter in law, Ev Nelson, and nephew Rick (Christine) Lentz.   Also, many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death in loving memory are her parents and grandparents, Brother, Richard Lentz   Daughter, Barbara Nelson   Son, Bryan Nelson and Grandson, Daniel Tammaro, Brother-in-Law, Carl Garz.   Also, Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many close friends.

Arrangements for Virginia’s celebration of Life will be announced at a later time.

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