Mass of Christian Burial for 75 year-old Virginia Origer of Mallard (formerly of Ayrshire) will be Saturday, June 20th at 11:00 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg with a visitation one hour prior to the Mass. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Mallard. Reverend John Thomas will be celebrating the Mass.
Virginia “Ginny” Origer, daughter of Lee and Gladys (Cox) Henely, was born February 2, 1951, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. She received her education in Ayrshire beginning at Sacred Heart Catholic School until 8th grade and graduated as a beaver from Ayrshire High School in the class of 1969. “Beaver one, beaver all, let’s all do the beaver call!”
Mom was one of a kind. Before owning The Duck Stop, she worked as a CNA. She often joked that she “went from bed pans to beer bottles,” a line that perfectly captured her sense of humor and no-nonsense personality.
For many years, mom and dad worked side by side at the Duck Stop, where they built not only a business but a community of friends and memories. Together they shared 56 years of marriage, a lifetime filled with love, laughter, hard work, and family.
Mom was known for the things that made her uniquely herself. She loved her hot dogs burnt, grease lettuce was always a favorite, and no one could make bean soup quite like she could-with bacon grease, of course. If music was playing, she wanted it loud. Very loud. She lived life with determination, and a stubborn streak that those who loved her knew well.
She never hid what she believed in and was proud of her opinions. Her favorite sayings were, “Nothing a six-pack can’t cure” and “that’d be nice”. Even in difficult times, she found a way to laugh and keep moving forward.
Mom’s family was the center of her world. She loved fiercely, spoke honestly, and taught us the importance of sticking together. Over the past year, as our family faced the loss of Dad and Mom’s declining health, those lessons became more important than ever. Through tears and laughter, stories and memories, she continued to bring us together.
In a way that seems fitting for her strong-willed spirit, Mom passed away on President Donald Trump’s birthday. Anyone who knew her would probably say that was her final way of reminding us she was going to do things on her own terms and wasn’t going out without a fight.
Mom passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at her home surrounded by her family, at the age of 75. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her parents, 12 siblings, Devona, Donald, Dale, Carol, Ray, Jean, Dianne, Paul, Marilyn, Kenneth, John, and Perry.
She is survived by her five children, Tiffany (Cole) Schave of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Heather (Pat) Crotty of Havelock, Iowa, “Pickle” Cammie (Andy) Wiita of Mallard, Iowa, Kennedy (Sonia) Origer of Mallard, Iowa, and Sam (Greg) Larson of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; thirteen grandchildren, Brayden, Erica, Jackson, Drew, Patience, Levi, Page, Eric, Preston, Caylee, Owen, Elliot, and Charlie; brothers, Bernard (Sharon) Henely of South Bend, Indiana, Joe Henely of Marshalltown, Iowa, and David (Kathy) Henely of Spencer, Iowa; sisters, Linda (Rick) Larson of Branson, Missouri and Debbie Theesfeld of Ayrshire, Iowa; brother-in-law, Leo Wigen; sisters-in-law, Judy Henely, Cheri Henely, and Jane Henely; as well as many other friends and family.
While our hearts are broken, we find comfort knowing she is reunited with dad, the love of her life. The memories she gave us, the stories she leaves behind, and the love she shared will remain with us forever.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Lisa with PACHS Hospice, family, and friends who provided comfort, prayers, and support during Mom’s final days.
