It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and grandmother Virginia Mary (McGlothlen) Kersting on August 24, 2023 in Laramie, Wyoming at the age of 91.
Virginia was born to E. Kenneth and Virginia (Harrison) McGlothlen on October 10, 1931 in Denver, Colorado. She was raised by her grandmother Mary Harrison alongside her older sister, Marie and younger sister, Kathryn – memories she always recalled with a fond smile and giggles. Grandmother Mary celebrated Virginia’s birthday on October 9, and due to this mix up, Mom continued to celebrate it on that date into her sixties. Once we discovered it was actually October 10, Mom insisted that we celebrate both days – fitting for a lady like her to have two birthdays!
As a child, she would travel by bus to Laramie in the summer to visit her father and her stepmother, Genevieve. She was playing in rainwater when she met the love of her life, Leo Edward Kersting, around the age of ten. After the death of his parents Dad left the Marines and married Mom on December 9, 1953 in Denver at Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Together they raised his younger brothers, Ted, Jack, and Gary. They went on to have six more children together, James, Barbara, William, Thomas, Mary Ann, and Daniel. Mom liked to say about the six youngest kids, “God gave me a six pack, a variety pack.” In addition to raising all those kids, she was called “Mom” by a lot of her children’s friends.
Mom volunteered at St. Laurence O’Toole School where she helped students improve their reading skills and served as a room mother. She was a big part of our 4-H and FFA years. Mom enjoyed her years of leading the swim exercises for the Eppson Center, singing with the Melodees, and her travels with The Heritage Club. She especially enjoyed the numerous adventures with her friend, Sherri Rodriguez.
Virginia was preceded in death by her mother and father; grandmother Mary; stepmother Genevieve; husband Leo; sisters Marie (Dave) Conway and Kathryn Sandhoff; sons Eddie and Tom; brothers-in-law Ted, Jack, and Gary; sister-in-law Gay Kersting; and son-in-law Skip Serrell.
Virginia is survived by her sons Jim, Bill (Jerri Burrowes) and Boone Kersting all of Laramie, her daughters Barbara Kersting of Cody, WY and Mary Serrell of Castle Rock, CO, her grandchildren Ed and Rachel Serrell, her sister-in-law Marilyn Kersting, Ashley Koch, and her many nieces and nephews.
We are grateful for all the years we had with Mom. Go rest High on that Mountain, Mom, your work on Earth is done.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of Laramie 1754 Centennial Drive Laramie, WY 82072.
Funeral Liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 18, 2023 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church.
I heartfelt echo John Millers kind and accurate memory of, indeed, everybodys "mother".....Virginia. She was such a steadfast friend and counsel to so many of our family and my mother. How wonderful when she always asked us we were doing every time we met. It is no surprise that her brother-in-law, "happy" Jack...was one of my good friends for his whole adult life. And, yes, she must have made the best parts of Jack come out so we could enjoy his cheery outlooks. That's exactly how graceful, caring and alert to so many of us when we struggled to make meaning of life hardships. What a gift she was....I see her clearly, gratefully right now..... ralph johnson jr.
To The Kersting Family I have known Virginia for many years. I loved to be around her , she had a wonderful and dry sense of humor. She will be missed. We send our sympathy and condolences. George and Jan Parker
I remember my Sweet Funny Aunt Virginia as being one of the happiest, driven persons I knew. She was so genuine and caring. Her energy was captivating...My heart is with all of you at this time...It's comforting to know that all the sisters Marie, Virginia and my Mom Kathryn are together and at peace...They all loved each other so...
John Miller, a nephew My mother, Kathryn Mcglothlen was a sister of Virginia. I met my aunt Virginia many times throughout my life. She was the most bright-eyed individual I ever met. Always sharp, always focused, and always on top of what was happening at the moment. Virginia was sharp as a tack. She had a piercing gaze that saw straight into your soul and requested kindness and respect in return. The kindness and respect that she expected was unquestioned and solid, because kindness and an acknowledgement of recipicacation is what she exchanged with every glance. The last time I met Virginia, she was in her 80’s; Virginia, my mother Kathryn, and a mutual friend were embarking on a road trip from Denver to Laramie. I made a point of telling her what bright eyes she had. Time marches on, and memories fade, but my memory of Virginia will always be dominated by the magic of being in her graceful, pure, calm, loving presence.
Sorry for your loss
I'm deeply saddened to hear about Virginia's passing. My deepest, heartfelt condolences to Jim, Barbara, Bill, Mary and Boone. May you each find peace and comfort in the love and joy she brought to those whose lives she touched. Your beautiful mother was truly an angel and a blessing to my own life for over fifty plus years. Virginia was and will always be like a "second mom" to me as I've had the pleasure and opportunity in knowing her. Both of your parents have always held a special place in my heart and I appreciated the compassionate and honest love they bestowed upon my life. I will miss Virginia's sweet smiles, endearing little giggles and genuine conversations throughout these past years. Rest in peace Virginia, you will be dearly missed.💜🙏💜
My name is Annette Elges and I am Ann Killian Andrew's daughter - she was Virginia's cousin and my mom and her sisters were very close to Virginia and her sisters growing up. My mom always enjoyed hearing from Virginia when she'd call from Wyoming and they would talk and laugh together. My condolences to your family on this loss. It's hard to lose your Mom no matter when it happens. Annette
Virginia was a very special lady and she was loved by the Shirley Kay family. Mom Kay and Virginia used to have so much fun. What a joy she was. May God grant the family comfort. Rest in Peace, Virginia.
What an awesome women, heaven is lucky to have her. She touched so many lives and was so caring and always greeted me with a huge smile and hug. We need more Virginas!!! Hugs and love to her family,
The thing I remember most about sweet Aunt Virginia was her giggle she was so incredibly sweet and when her and my mom Kathryn got together there was nothing but giggling going on they all so loved one another it was truly beautiful. My heart is with you all at this time. Love
I loved your mother from the very first time I met her. She was a wonderful woman who made every day brighter and was so very proud of all of her family. My deepest sympathy Lari Ann Kay
Oh sweet Virginia, you will be missed. You were my sweet, kind yet ornery friend. Loved our time together so we could share our stories. You were such a strong lady, and I loved you. Go visit with Mom and Dad and all your family. Rest…. And to your surviving family, my deepest condolences.
To the Kersting family, we are very sad to hear of your dear mother's passing. May she rest in peace. Sending our condolences to you all.
What a beautiful lady ! Always had a smile for everyone she met! Condolences to her wonderful family
RIP Virginia. I have missed all our talks & laughs being neighbors. My condolences to the family.
To all the Kersting Family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Aunt Virginia was so sweet to the entire Conway Family. I remember the summer I spent in Laramie, riding horses at Uncle Jack's ranch and hanging out, creating a chicken wire/tissue paper calf for the Parade. I loved sitting and talking with Aunt Virginia, she was a great story teller. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Love Marty Conway
My prayers and condolences to the family…
Our condolences to all of you. Virginia was a special neighbor and friend ❤️ Dale and Saundra Robbins
Godspeed to you all Shelly Aragon
Condolences to the entire family. Thoughts and prayers for you all. Cathy and Ronnie Armijo
So sorry for your loss. She meant a lot to us Hulett kids and our parents. May the Angels watch over her ❤️
Kersting family i am so saddened to here of Virginias passing she truly was an angel .Iwill miss her RIP.
She was such a special lady! I still have the small towel she hand stitched for me, to have for when I bought my first house... It is even more special to me now as a beautiful memory of such a kind & gentle soul!! I loved her little giggle & her kind spirit & will miss her!!
I'm so sorry to hear about Virginia passing away. I became acquainted with her at the Rec Center. We had many special, meaningful conversations. I sure enjoyed see her and talking with her. She was very special and quite a character! My condolences to her family and friends. I'm sure she's making things lively in Heaven!
I recall spending summer days in Laramie with Aunt Virginia, Uncle Leo and all the kids on Sully St. She always seem to have one of her oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (my favorite of all time) ready whenever we visited. She was a kind, gentle, bright and caring woman that I will truly miss.