SPIRIT LAKE — Virginia “Ginger” Lee Osterholt, 87, of Spirit Lake, died peacefully Saturday, August 1, 2026.
A celebration of Ginger’s life will be held at a later date. Additional information concerning the date and location will be announced by the funeral home.
Ginger was born September 8, 1938, in Roscoe, California, the daughter of Harvey and Genevieve Christiansen.
She later moved to Iowa and graduated from Sioux City Central High School before fulfilling a lifelong dream by touring with the Ice Capades. The experience became one of the many adventures she remembered fondly throughout her life.
Ginger later married Larry Hancock, and together they raised three sons, Michael, Jeffery and Jerry.
Her family remained her greatest source of pride and happiness. She treasured gatherings with her children, seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, whether they were celebrating holidays and milestones or simply enjoying everyday moments together.
Ginger enjoyed a long and successful career with First National Bank in Sioux City.
She was a devoted member of Mayflower Congregational Church and Eastern Star. Her faith, friendships and involvement in those organizations gave her a lasting sense of fellowship and community.
Following her retirement, Ginger moved to Spirit Lake to live closer to family. She enjoyed the beauty of the Iowa Great Lakes region and created many treasured memories with relatives and friends.
Ginger approached life with honesty, humor and an adventurous spirit. She loved traveling, reading, playing bingo and gathering around the table for a game of cards.
Those who knew her will remember a woman who combined a little sass with an even larger heart. She spoke her mind, walked faithfully through life and loved the people around her deeply.
Ginger is survived by her brother, Gene Christiansen; brothers-in-law, Daryl Gengler and Paul Baker; sons, Michael and his wife, Jolene, Jeffery and his wife, Jodi, and Jerry and his wife, Nicki; grandchildren, Aubrey Nicholson, Kara Rosales, Ricki Pribyl, Hillary Huether, Zack Hancock, Lindsay Hancock and Savannah Hancock; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey and Genevieve Christiansen; sisters, Kay Gengler and Claudia Baker; and sister-in-law, Patricia Christiansen.
Ginger leaves behind generations of family members and friends who will remember her faith, laughter, adventurous nature and ability to fill ordinary occasions with warmth and joy.
TURNER JENNESS FUNERAL HOME is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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