Virginia "Gin" Clara Ratcliff

Virginia “Gin” Ratcliff, age 101, died Thursday, April 6, 2023, at Ecumen Pathstone Memory Care. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., on Friday, April 14, 2023, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Mankato, with visitation one hour prior at the church as well. Burial with Military Honors will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Mankato Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to https://www.maryknoll.org

Virginia Clara Oberle was born to Veronica (Klages) and Rudolph Oberle on January 8, 1922, in Mankato, MN. Gin graduated from Loyola High School and St. Mary’s School of Nursing, Rochester and served in the Navy in WWII.

She married William W. Ratcliff on January 12, 1946, in San Diego, CA.  They lived in Sheridan, WY until 1949 when they moved to Mapleton.  In 2010 she moved to Mankato until present time.

Gin was a housewife and mother. She enjoyed golf, gardening, and traveling and was a member of Mapleton VFW Auxiliary, St. Teresa’s Catholic Women, and Mapleton Nursing Home Auxiliary.  She was a volunteer for numerous activities from tutoring to blood pressure screening.

Gin is survived by sons, John (Debbie) of Rosemount, Mark of Eagle Lake, Tom of Milford, IA, and Dan (Adriana) of Waconia; sisters-in-law, Maryann and Maggie Oberle; 7 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren.

Gin was preceded in death by her husband, William in 2003; parents; son, Richard; daughter-in-law, Linda; brothers, Richard, Anthony, and Thomas (Patricia) Oberle.

Gin’s love and laughter will be missed.