Obituary of Virginia Ann Fritschle

I celebrate the life of my beloved wife, Virginia Ann Fritschle. I can"t recount all that made her so amazing; but I will share some thoughts. Virginia and I were married for 37 years. We met in the winter of 1981. I was home for 30 days leave between duty stations. My Mom asked Virginia to invite me to a Bible study she was in. Virginia did and that"s how we met. We were married April 11 1982. We started our marriage with a mutual commitment to Jesus as our King, Savior and Lord. We found that as Jesus was our focus, we grew closer to each other, as we grew closer to Him. My first Valentine"s Day present to Virginia was a concordance. Romantic, huh? ï�Š I wanted her to be a biblical theologian on her own, without me; because I knew I was going to be in and out a lot, being in the Navy. Virginia had a very sharp mind and knew the Bible very well. No thanks to me; but because of her commitment to God and a genuine love for His Word. Between 1997 and 2005, Virginia supported me when I had the privilege of serving numerous congregations by filling the pulpit when their pastors were away, or while they were searching for a new pastor. I filled empty pulpits all over Minnesota, Western Wisconsin and one church in Emo, Ontario. Virginia was an active participant with me in this ministry. Virginia was the first and only woman I loved; she was the love of my life and the best part of me. Though I am heartbroken beyond description by her sudden departure, I am so thankful that she is with Jesus and is at rest. She is experiencing joy inexpressible and full of glory and is now living what had been "˜not yet". She walked by faith, not by sight; but now she sees. I will miss her laugh; I remember sitting in the dentist"s office and I heard her laugh from another room and her laugh brought a grin to my face. Her smile lit my heart and her laugh filled me with delight. She loved making "˜big eyes" at little children in church when they would turn around and look at her. She loved all sorts of crafts "" sewing, painting, making baby quilts. She loved our animals, Abby, Charlie and Gucci. She and I often had ongoing conversations with the animals; giving them voices and having hilarious dialogue with our furry "˜kids." Though I am filled with grief; I want everyone to know that Virginia loved Jesus with all her heart and is now enjoying the presence of her Lord and Savior. I praise God for the time I had with her and will always treasure the memory of her love, her laugh, her life.