Joseph Edward Ginger

It is with great sadness to announce the death of Joseph Edward Ginger 82 of Freeport, Illinois. He passed away unexpectedly on August 11th, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 6th in Dixon, Illlinois to John Ginger and Mary Ginger (Bonardi). Joe was a 1960 graduate of Freeport High School and a graduate of Highland College. He was a very loving and devoted husband of fifty-three years and loving father. He spent 39 years as a design technician at Micro Switch in special equipment. Joe was an active member of St. Joseph Church. He had a vast range of interests including motorcycling, sailing, history, and woodworking throughout his life. Most of all, he loved kayaking the local waterways. He, with the help of the Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation, established launch sites promoting its recreatoinal use along with fostering stewardship for the Pec. He served as president of the Friends of the Pec Foundation and of the Stephenson County Genealogical Society for many years and was also a member of the Northwest Trails Foundation, the Illinois Paddling Council, and the Freeport Camera Club. Most of all, he always enjoyed getting together with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed his Tuesday morning ROMEO group. 

Joe is survived by his wife, Antonina (Toni) (Pusatere), his son, Derek Ginger and wife Susan, and a son, Matthew Ginger, one brother, Richard Phillip Ginger of Georgia, two step -grandchildren Melissa Hawkins and Jennifer Stewart and their children. He also has a niece, Krista Grosshans(Ginger) and a nephew, Shane Ginger. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Ginger and Mary Frye, and one identical twin brother, John Ginger. 

Joe gave one hundred percent to whatever endeavors he pursued and had a zest for life. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. 

A funeral service will be held at St. Joseph Church in Freeport, Illinois on Tuesday, August 19th. A visitation will be held frrom 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by burial in Calvary Cemetery in Freeport. Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Joseph Church and or Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation.