Ginnie Dzerk passed peacefully at home early Monday morning, July 6, 2020 at the age of 95. Virginia Mae Sharpnack was born at St. Elizabeth’s in Lincoln, Nebraska on November 22, 1924. She was raised in Lincoln by her parents George and Mary Sharpnack with lots of help from her paternal grandparents during the Great Depression. She moved to New Jersey graduating from Hasbrouck Heights High School in 1942 and worked at her father’s machine shop supporting the war effort. She married John Dzerk on September 1, 1945 starting a family in New Jersey, and later returning home to Nebraska to raise three boys.
Virginia held various jobs as stenographer, retail sales and primarily as a secretary for a local insurance company. Her love the arts led her to painting, photography and sculpture and theater and she enjoyed church activities at Heritage Presbyterian. She was a volunteer at the Lincoln Community Playhouse for many years creating and maintaining production costumes. Ginnie also enjoyed her Bridge groups, tennis partners and dancing with her Shim Shams. She was lucky to spend many later years traveling the world with her special friend David Belik.
Ginnie is survived by her sons John B. Dzerk, Robert Dzerk and Alan Dzerk (Alice Reed) and their father John Dzerk, grandchildren Ginger Dzerk (Scott Earley), Nathan Dzerk and Dakota Dzerk, brother Robert Hall (Rosalie), niece Heidi Hall (Mark) and nephew J Hall. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Mary (Hynek) Sharpnack, and special friend Dobromil David Belik.
A private family graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 15, 2020 at Wyuka Cemetery. Suggested memorials are to the Lincoln Community Playhouse, Alzheimers Association, or consider supporting local artists by purchasing a personal reminder of Ginnie’s love.
John Brian Dzerk and family—I’m sorry to learn of your mother’s passing, John. I met her once when I was at your house when we were in college, and a warm, friendly person. You all are in our thoughts and prayers, and our deepest sympathies to you.
condolences from Dzerk families in NJ
Thinking of you, Alan, and your family. I’m sorry your mom is no longer here with you boys, but yes, safe travels and rest in peace, Mrs. Dzerk. She certainly lived an interesting and full life; good for her! May her memories play on in you all like beautiful songs. Hugs…
My aunt Ginnie was a lovely and generous person. When I was a little girl she’d always find the perfect birthday and Christmas gift – almost always something she had made or repurposed with a flare! She was very accomplished in all the arts she pursued. I was the beneficiary of her artistry in the form of a several hand-sewn costumes including a red and white satin baton-twirler’s uniform!
Aunt Ginnie was contemporary, open minded, and a life-long student who seamlessly adopted new ideas. She was my first and most important role model.
I will miss her laughter and exclamation of surprise at any humor when she’d say “oh jeez”.
Ginnie was my mother-in-law while I was married to Bob, and was always kind to me even after Bob & I were no longer married. Since Bob & I are friends, I had seen Ginnie now and then over the years and it was always good to see her. She was a wonderful person.
Ginnie andI first met at the YWCA, She became a good friend, she was part of our group of 11 that met once a month for dinner either out in a restaurant or at someone’s house along with David, we did this for 40 years, I will miss her very much. Condolences to the family
Thanks, Vi,
I know Mom sure looked forward to her social dinners with David and we appreciate your kind thoughts.
Alan
My aunt Ginnie was a lovely and generous person. When I was a little girl she always find the perfect birthday and Christmas gift – almost always something she had made or repurposed with a flare! She was very accomplished in all the arts she pursued. I was the beneficiary of her artistry in the form of a several hand-sewn costumes including a red and white satin baton-twirler’s uniform!
Aunt Ginnie was contemporary, open minded, and a life-long student who seamlessly adopted new ideas. She was my first and most important role model.
I miss will miss her laughter and exclamation of surprise at any humor when she’d say “oh jeez”.
Oh Jeez, Heidi! We wish you were here with us but we know you’ll be thinking of Mom . We will have to commiserate when you’re back in town.
Love you cousin!
A&A
Thanks Alan and Alice! I Have been thinking of your mom and retelling stories of the good times we all had together! Remember the our trip to Texas?! I am sending my love to you all and wish I could be with you tomorrow. Hugs, Heidi
I was so sorry to read about your mother’s passing, Alan. My thoughts are with you and Alice, and Nathan and Cody. After reading her obituary, it sounds like she lived a long and wonderful life, filled with many friends and varied interests. I believe I met her several times at special events at Oak Valley School. I’m sure I would have enjoyed knowing her better…she sounds like a very interesting person, and we have a common interest in the arts. I hope your memories of her bring you comfort. Please give my sincere condolences to your entire family.
Hi Jill,
Thanks for sharing your kind thoughts. Its been a while since the little school days, Nathan and Cody are big men now. Mom really liked coming to the School plays and dinners and appreciated the effort to put on such unique productions! Best wishes to you,
A&A
Our deepest condolences to you Alan, Alice, and your entire family. Gennie was a special friend of my mother’s. Les thought so highly of her. They enjoyed many hands of bridge and many rounds of tennis together. My mother treasured their friendship. Tobi and I enjoyed many of her performances with the Shim Shams at their recitals as our daughters attended the same dance studio. It was so cool to see her knock out those routines. I believe Gennie lived a full, productive and meaningful life. May you find solace in knowing our thoughts are with you during this time.
HI John and Tobi,
Thanks so much for your kind thoughts and sharing. I know Mom really enjoyed knocking the air out of the balls with Les and Sonny. Its great to know her love and influences were appreciated through the community. Wishing the best for you and your family,
A&A