Remembering Grandma

Virginia Dora Whitney Kucinski, 85, of Westberg Rd. passed away on Sunday, Dec. 16, 2007 in her home. She was born on June 25, 1922 to Clyde and Bertha (Metcalf) Whitney in Bayfield, Wis., in her home. Her childhood was busy and a lot of fun. She liked to work on her dad's farm, loved climbing the big trees, enjoyed riding bikes, horse back riding and playing with her sister and two brothers. At the age of eight, she made her first trip to Minnesota and slept in a tent. At the age of 16 her father taught her how to drive and she received her driver's license for the cost of twenty five cents. Virginia's first job was at the age of 16. She did house work for a couple of women in Duluth. In 1940 she started college at U.M.D. and completed her two year course in Pre-Nursing and Chemistry. During her years at U.M.D. she worked in the girls' dormitory, cleaning and kitchen detail. Virginia married Richard 'Dick' Kucinski on Aug. 9, 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio. Dick served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and they traveled a lot. Virginia was a very devoted wife and mother to her five children. She loved cooking, baking and spending time with her children. During her children's grade school years, she helped the school nurse. She was a longtime member of Westminster Presbyterian Church and was active in the Women's Circle. Her church and friends were very important to her. She is survived by her husband Dick; her children, Joe Kucinski of Mesa, Ariz., Dian (Dale) Hanson of Duluth, Barbara Kivisto of Island Lake, Rick (Ann) Kucinski of Esko, Minn., and Kim (Nancy) Kucinski of Superior, Wis.; sister, Jessie (Bert) Westman; brother, Thomas (Vicky) Whitney of Superior, Wis.; 14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren as well as many other nieces and nephews. She was dearly loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. VISITATION:10 a.m. Wednesday until the 11 a.m. Funeral Service in Sunrise Funeral Home. Entombment Sunrise Mausoleum. Arrangements are by Sunrise Funeral Home Hermantown, MN.