Virginia “Jinni” M. Wenning
80, Fishers, IN, passed away on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. She was born on December 8, 1933 in Harrah, OK. After working at OG&E and attending Oklahoma University she planned to move to Japan, but arrived in Denver, CO instead. It was there that she persuaded a young soldier named Vic to leave his card game to dance with her. They were married later that year in 1956. Jinni had a great love for her family and for God’s children. She was a Cub Scout den mother (Pack 36), a classroom volunteer (Fall Creek Elementary School), a mom to the kids in the SMYL group (St. Matthews), worked on mission/building projects in orphanages in Central America, and recently was a school bus attendant for children with special needs (Hamilton Southeastern). She never lost her rural roots – planting large gardens, canning for her family, and cutting grass on her John Deere. She was also a pioneer – becoming the first woman member of the Scientech Club. Jinni was a woman of faith who cared for many. She was active in her Bible study group and church. She also loved sports, especially her Sooners and Indianapolis Indians.
She was preceded by her parents Victoria (Visnieski), Helen (Rostykus), and Raymond Hopcus, brother Daniel Hopcus, and grandson Danny Wenning. She is survived by her loving husband Victor H. Wenning, children Michael (Karen) Wenning, Steven (Judy) Wenning, and Michele (Roger) Kottlowski, and grandchildren Vicki, Nathan, Becky, Paul, Alex, Kelly, and Chris. We will miss her cooking and creative stories but most of all we will miss all the love that she gave.
Visitation Saturday Feb. 22 from 12-3 pm and memorial service at 3 pm at Indiana Funeral Care, 8151 Allisonville Rd., Indianapolis. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to WoundedWarriorProject.org or FeedTheChildren.org.
Phyllis McCormack says
Steve and Family,
I’m so sorry. I know you will miss her tremendously.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Derrick and Kathryn Witcher and family says
Dear Michele, Roger, Kelly and Chris,
Maria and Monica were amazed at how genuine your Mom/Grandma’s love was to family and their friends.
May the wonderful memories of your times together bring you comfort during this difficult time.
Praying for you,
Maria, Monica, Phillip, Paul, Kathryn and Derrick Witcher
Rick Martin says
Mike and family,
While I did not know your Mom personally, I am certain that your qualities are a reflection of her and your father. May she rest in peace with her Lord.
Rick Martin
Kathy (Bucher) Lowry says
“Dad”, Mike, Steve & Michelle and all,
I will always remember Mom’s infectious laugh, her warm smile “SMYL”, great hugs and delicious Zucchini Bread.
We will all miss her greatly but, Oh how she IS in that number as the Saints Go Marching In!!!
My prayers are with all of you
Kathy Lowry (Bucher)
Betsy Inskeep says
Dear family,
I enjoyed spending time with Jinni when we were “across 56th St.” neighbors. Jinni had such great energy and ideas. Those were fun times when Michele and Gretchen were friends.
My prayers are with all of you at this time.
Betsy Inskeep
Anni Autio says
Mike/Karen, and family,
I know what it’s like to lose a Mom. Cherish your memories and give thanks for all the good times. My deepest sympathy….
Teri Gunst says
Dear Michele and Family,
Jinni was a sweet and vivacious person. I feel honored to have been able to spend some “family time” with Jinni. I know so many people thought highly of her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. God bless and comfort you in your loss.
Teri Gunst, Anne, and David
Brian Kottlowski says
I never met Mrs. Wenning, but from the tributes of her family and friends, she was loved and will be missed. Her daughter, Michele, has been a wonderful addition to our extended family. May God comfort all of Mrs. Wenning’s family and friends in their bereavement.
Rick and Kathy Werkmeister says
Steve, Judy, Paul and Alex, and the Wenning family, our hearts go out to you at this difficult time, and our prayers will be with you in the coming weeks and months. We have wonderful memories of our visits with Jinni and the entire Wenning family.
Matt & Eva Barlow says
Our dear Jinni….how we will miss you! She was a dear friend, with a big heart, loved Jesus, loved people,loved her family, loved missions and loved us. Thank you for sharing her with us. She will always be in our hearts. Our love to Vic and the family that God will sustain you all in this difficult time. We are so thankful that she is not suffering anymore, but in the arms of her Savior who is now caring for her and watching over all of you. May God allow you to have the same knowledge and relationship that she had with her best friend, Jesus. We love you all….Matt and Eva Barlow, missionaries in Nicaragua.
Laura Kottlowski says
Aunt Michelle, Roger, Kelly and Chris,
I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of Jinni the times we met during family occasions and the moments we shared while swimming at her house when I was younger. She was always a fun person to be around and extremely welcoming. May you find comfort in your memories with her.
Love, Laura
Sr. Jeanne Hagelskamp, SP says
Dear Vic and family:
I am so sorry to read of Jinni’s passing. I didn’t read Thursday’s paper until late Friday, and I had to teach all day Saturday, so I couldn’t make it to the funeral.
What a woman Jinni was! I still remember her energy and care, her beautiful smile and her love for life. Please know that my prayers are with you as you mourn her absence.
Blessings,
Sr. Jeanne Hagelskamp, SP
Vera Harris says
I just recv’d an E-mail from Okla. about Virgie passing on. My heart is heavy because I planned this week to call her after looking at the Hopcus History. Virgie was one of a kind. I loved her & Daniel so much. My Cousin Helen Hopcus raised them. We went to school in Harrah and rode the bus after school. We were all very close in the family. Please call me if you want to know anything. Her aunt Annie Tytenic is only one living on Helens side of family. My phone 479-253-6201. Email claudh@cox.net. May God watch over each of you and remember all the happy times. Love Vera(Kostiuk)
The staff at CVS Pharmacy says
Our Deepest Sympathy.
Larry & Janice Ortel says
Michele & Roger we are sorry for your loss .It sounds like she was very active in her life and did alot of good things in her life. WE will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Jim and Martha Fairbanks says
Dear Victor —
Jim and I are so sorry to hear of Jinni’s passing; she will be sorely missed. One of a kind she was. It was always so fun to talk “Bible” with her; to hear about her loved grandkids, and share so much about our children and lives because she was truly interested.
You are much in our thoughts and prayers, especially during this difficult time.