Obituary

October 1, 2014

Virginia Liberty Portsche

 

PortscheVirginia Liberty Portsche, 96, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully at her home with family members, her dog Roone, friends and hospice personnel at 10:22 p.m., Tuesday, September 30, 2014.   She was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on October 27, 1917 to Roy and Estelle (Lewis) League.  Following the untimely death of her father, the family moved to Omaha in 1920.  Virginia graduated from Omaha North High School in 1935, and moved with her family to Lincoln that same year.  She was married to Paul Portsche, Jr., of Lincoln in 1937.  Virginia was active in numerous activities during her life.  During her earlier years while living in Havelock, she was a wonderful wife and mother to her two sons, Gary Lee Portsche (now deceased), and Robert Lynn Portsche.  She was active in the Havelock Parent Teachers Association (PTA), serving as President for three terms, and also served as Vice President for the Interclub Council of the PTA.  She was a Den Mother for Cub Scout Pack 23 at Havelock School.  She campaigned for Havelock business man Victor E. Anderson during his successful campaigns for the Nebraska Legislature, Mayor of Lincoln, and, Governor of Nebraska.   She was active with others in the organization of the Havelock Swingers Square Dance Group, and with the organization of the “Matronette Group.”  She served on the Havelock Building Committee in efforts to keep the YWCA, and also served on the YWCA’s Garden Club.   Virginia was a member of the Young Republicans, and served as Lancaster County Vice Chairwoman.  She campaigned for Otto H. Liebers in his successful bid for State Senator for the 18th District Legislature.  Virginia went to work outside of the home on February 12, 1951.  She began work for the Military Department of the State of Nebraska at the Nebraska State Capital, working as a Personnel Clerk under Lt. General Guy N. Henninger.  Virginia served as General Chairperson of the State House Activities Committee.  In 1963, she was promoted to be Secretary to the Adjutant General of the Nebraska National Guard, serving under Major General Lyle Welch and later under Major General Francis Winner.  She was honored by being the recipient of the Legion of Merit Award for service to the Military Department of the State of Nebraska by Major General James Carmona, The Adjutant General.   Virginia was appointed to the Nebraska Commission for the Status of Women by Governor Frank Morrison.  She had the opportunity to serve as Chairperson for that Commission for two terms.  During this time, she met and befriended numerous other women throughout the State of Nebraska who also had been appointed to the Commision.  When the Nebraska Commission for the Status of Women was decommissioned, the ladies established the Priors Club of Nebraska, composed for prior members of this commission.  Rose Lute (now deceased) of Ogallala served the the first chairperson of this group, and Virginia later served as chairperson for two terms, later being Secretary and Treasurer.  The Prior’s Club was ultimately terminated as the ranks of the members decreased over the years.  Virginia and her husband Paul were 20 year members of AKSARBEN.  Virginia was a local ambassador for the Lincoln area, and sold memberships for this outstanding organization.  She was elated to have danced with Liberace during one of his performances at Aksarben, at the same time that her husband Paul danced with Actress Carol Lawrence.  She was appointed to the Judicial Nominating Committee by then Governor James J. Exon.   She was also a member of the Nebraska Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Burlington Northern (BN) Cornhusker Club; and the BN Veterans.  After her retirement from work outside the home, she continued to devote her time to voluntary projects, having donated over 2,000 hours of time to Bryan Medical Center East.  She enjoyed doing this work to help others.  Throughout her life, she demonstrated the unique quality of being a very caring person, both to people as well as to animals.  She was a supporter of the Capital Humane Society, having recently donated all of her points from Russ’s IGA Market to that organization.  She always had a pet, be it a dog or a cat, and loved every one of them.  Her dog Roone, will miss his mother!  Her greatest joy and pride for Virginia was her family.

Survivors include her son, Robert of Arlington, VA.  Grandchildren, LeAnne Prenovost of Phoenix, AZ., Doug Portsche of Saginaw, TX., Jeff Portsche and Mike Portsche of Olathe, KS., Greg Portsche of Gilbert, AZ.  Great grandchildren, Chad Rolstad of South Lake, TX., Tyler Rolstad of Great Lakes, Ill.,  Nicole Rolstad of Denver, CO., Allison Herrera of Phoenix, AZ., KayLynn Portsche of Olathe, KS., Ian Wilkinson of Phoenix, AZ., Madisyn, Hailey, Calley and Kelsey Portsche of Olathe, KS., Adrik Portsche of Olathe, KS., Alexandra Portsche of Gilbert, AZ.  4 Great, great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, son; Gary Lee Portsche and granddaughters; Lisa Wilkinson and Isabella Portsche.

Visitation will be on Friday, October 3, 2014 at Wyuka Funeral Home from 4:00-8:00 P.M. with the family present from 6:00-7:00 P.M. and Saturday from 9:00 A.M. until service time.

Celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 O Street, Lincoln.  Burial will be at Wyuka Cemetery.

Memorials to the Capital Humane Society or American Cancer Society.

 

5 Comments

  1. My “Gigi” Virginia Portsche,
    You were about three generations ahead of your time. What you did in your life during the years you did these things is nothing short of remarkable. There are many, many women today who owe a debt of gratitude to you and they will never realize it. You fought for women to make our lives better and you also always fought for your family. Lisa and I (as your granddaughters) witnessed this and understood this. I hope that your great-granddaughters and great-great granddaughters (and grandson’s too) one day realize the significance of your live.
    I love you Gigi, until we meet again!
    Grandchild #1
    LeAnne

    Reply
  2. Precious Virginia Liberty Portsche is an amazing woman. Ms. Virginia certainly lived life fully and as much as she will be missed, I am certain she rests in the arms of Jesus. The legacy Ms. Virginia left her loved one’s is full and vast; a legacy of high character, honor, and grace.

    Bless you all,
    Vicki Cox

    Reply
  3. I am so sorry to hear of Virginia’s passing. I drove the shuttle bus at Bryan East when Virginia volunteered there and I was honored to call her a friend. She always had a ready smile and kind words. She always asked about my family and shared her love of her family. Whenever I see the color “pink”, I think of my favorite pink lady, a truly kind and gentle woman…Virginia Portsche.

    Reply
  4. Dear Bob and Family,
    I am writing to express my family’s thoughts on the loss of our dear sweet neighbor and friend, Virginia. She was a beautiful person, always kind and thoughtful in every way. We will miss her lovely smile, caring words, notes, and phone calls. We feel blessed to have known her. Please accept our sympathy and know that we are remembering you and Virginia in our daily prayers.
    Love, Margaret Medel and Family

    Reply
  5. Dear Bob and Family,

    My heart goes out to you all in this time of loss. I know she will be greatly missed. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Sending hugs your way.
    Marlo

    Reply

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