Virginia Scott Heinemann

Virginia Joy Scott Heinemann, 94, peacefully passed away on April 7, 2023, with family by her side.

Virginia was born May 28, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois to parents Daisy and Clarence Scott. She was raised in Riverside, Illinois with her older brother, Joe, as well as her best friend and cousin Glenna, with whom she had many adventures. Her first job was at the original Marshall Field’s in downtown Chicago in the military uniform department. She graduated from Riverside/Brookfield High School in 1946 and moved to Appleton, Wisconsin to attend Lawrence University. She was a dedicated member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and formed many lifelong friendships. She received her BA Degree in Art in 1950 and relocated to Wausau for a position as an auditor with Employers Mutual. She met her future husband, Harry Heinemann Jr., at Sweeney’s Bar while she was decorating for a St. Patrick’s Day party. They were married on May 9, 1953 and together they had four children. They owned and operated Harry Heinemann Jr’s Fine Menswear in downtown Wausau for over 35 years.

Through the years Virginia was very involved in the community. She served as a Commissioner on North Central Regional Planning Commission for 14 years, was a member of the board of directors of the North Central Wisconsin Development Corp, and was a member and past chair of Wisconsin Council of Regional Planning Organizations. She also served on the Marathon County Library Board for 20 years and was an advisor on the board for the Salvation Army and the Center for Visual Arts. She served eight years as a Public Member on the Wisconsin Social Worker Regulatory Board and eight years on the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board. She frequently volunteered at the Neighbor’s Place, the CVA, and worked the polls for many elections. In 2008 Virginia was awarded the YWCA’s Women of Vision Award for contributions to the community and state.

When she wasn’t serving on a board or volunteering, Virginia maintained a packed social calendar. She was a member of Wausau Skeet and Trap Club, Koo Koo Kanoe Klub, and McIntosh Homemakers. She attended Thursday Afternoon Sewing Club, Abby Morning Group, and was a member of PEO. She served as an Elder and Deacon at First Presbyterian Church. She found herself involved in politics- serving as chairman of the Marathon County Republican Party, chairman of the 7th District Republican Party, and a board member of the Wisconsin Republican Party. She even attended four Republican National Conventions as a Delegate.

Virginia was an adventurer. She traveled the world, from Egypt to Panama, Alaska to Scotland and everywhere in between. In the summer months, Virginia and Harry liked to ride their motorcycles, traveling the backroads of Marathon County. In the winter they had fun skiing together. Virginia was very creative and enjoyed sewing, needlepoint, and knitting. She won many blue ribbons for her needlework at the fair. She was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on the Packers, Cubs, Badgers, and Northwestern. Her hobbies included gardening, antiquing, puzzling, and spending the afternoons reading on her beloved porch. She was a wonderful cook, baker, and hostess, and loved to entertain.

Virginia is survived by her children Rebecca (Lisa), Joseph (Jayna), Robert (Steve), Gigi (Kirk) Schmitt; grandchildren David, Nicholas, and Annaliese Heinemann and Blakney and Arabella Schmitt. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Harry; parents Daisy and Clarence Scott; brother Joseph Scott.

The family would like to thank Benedictine Living Community as well as her good friends Karen Peterson and Mary Anderson for their care, compassion and kindness in her later years.