Sornson, Virginia L. (1926 - 2013)

SORNSON, NEWBERG, MCINTOSH, BOMKE

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 5/5/2013 at 18:49:01

Submitted by Marthann Kohl, posted by permission

Source: Harlan Tribune

Virginia L. Sornson, 86
Sept. 26, 1926 - March 16, 2013

SUN LAKES, AZ - Former longtime Harlanite, Virginia L. Sornson, 86, Sun Lakes, AZ, died March 16 in Phoenix, AZ. Memorial services were held Sat., April 6 at 11 a.m. at Sun Lakes United Methodist Church here with burial in the Gardens on the property of the United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene, and daughter, Maia. She is survived by her son, William “Eric” (Sue) Sornson, and sister-in-law Ardythe Sornson Newberg, grandchildren Jeremy McIntosh, Logan; Leticia Sornson, Omaha.

Virginia “Jini” was born to William E. & Helen Bomke on Sept. 26, 1926 in Evanston, IL. Jini and her future husband, Gene, met at the University of Iowa where she earned a B.A. in art in 1948. After graduation she and Gene married in Western Springs, IL on Sept. 10, 1948. Shortly thereafter they took over running the Harlan Clothing Co., a mens clothing store from Gene’s father, Wallace E. Sornson. The store was located on the north side of Harlan’s downtown square. They became members of the Congregational Church on April 11, 1954, where she served on several committees during her tenure in Harlan. Jini was also involved with the Harlan and Spencer bridge clubs, Harlan Literary Club, was a devoted Harlan PEO member and Myrtue Memorial Hospital Auxiliary member.

She and Gene loved spending summers at their cabin on Jones Beach at Lake Okoboji (1970-2001) fishing, swimming, playing cards, entertaining and hunting for arrowheads on the beach.

Donations may be made to the Congregational United Church of Christ, Harlan or “Jini’s Joy” (at any Wells Fargo Bank location), after many years of giving to various animal protection groups, Jini created a non-profit account several years ago to aid needy animals.