Virginia Lucille Hermann

Virginia L. (Ginnie) Hoffman Hermann died peacefully March 9, 2011, at Scottish Rite Park in Des Moines.

Ginnie grew up on the east side of Des Moines and graduated from East High in 1936. There she met her husband Bernie Hermann and made extraordinary friendships which lasted her lifetime. Bernie and Ginnie both attended the University of Iowa where she studied Dietary Nutrition. After living in Biloxi, Mississippi during the war years, they resided in Des Moines the rest of their lives.

Ginnie had a deep sense of civic duty and patriotic pride, leading to a lifetime of volunteerism. She served as PTA president for Hubbell Elementary, Roosevelt Junior High, Merrill Junior High and Roosevelt High Schools. She followed in her mother’s footsteps by serving as president of the Des Moines PTA Council. She volunteered her time to the Crestview Acres, Blank Hospital, and the Grace United Methodist Church Guilds. Ginnie was a longtime member of the PEO Chapter V, and the Ding Darling Questors, the Des Moines Pioneer Club, the University of Iowa Alumni Association, and the East High School Alumni Association. She enjoyed writing her class newsletter and helping organize her annual Class of 36 reunions. She and Bernie also volunteered their time to the YMCA and Kiwanis Club. Longtime support of the Friendship Force provided Ginnie and Bernie with many opportunities to travel overseas and develop international relationships. From 1975 to 1977 she served as Co-Chairperson of the Polk County Bicentennial Commission, coordinating the year-long celebration for the greater Des Moines area.

Ginnie loved to gather her family together for wonderful family picnics, joyous holiday celebrations and raucous Hawkeye tailgates parties. She had a beautiful voice and perpetually made music, through her delightful whistling or singing the East High School and University of Iowa Fight Songs with anyone who would sing along. She will be remembered for her vitality, spirit, and grace.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Dr. Bernie Hermann; her parents; and her daughter, Cindie Tschudy. She is survived by her son, Cap Hermann of Denver, Colorado; daughter, Heidi Bagg (Ray) of Des Moines; son-in-law, Bill Tschudy of Olathe, Kansas; brothers, Byron Hoffman of Hackensack, Minnesota and Dean Hoffman of Auburn, California; six grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to the extraordinary staff of Scottish Rite Park who were extended family in recent years.

A family visitation and memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, March 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines. Memorial contributions may be made to the Des Moines YMCA Camp or your local Alzheimer’s Association.

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