Virginia "Ginny" Patri

Dr. Virginia Carol Patri, 95, of Vermillion, SD passed away Wednesday, February 16 at Wel-Life in Elk Point, SD.

Virginia Carol Patri was born on September 25, 1925, in Omro, WI to Harold and Grace (Garrow) Patri. Although her formative years are fragmented, her work was her life. Virginia graduated from the University of Wisconsin LaCross with a Bachelor of Science degree. Her specialties were k-12 physical education and English. She taught physical education k-12 in the Wisconsin Public Schools from 1948-1953. She then moved to New York to pursue studies at Columbia University. In 1958, she became a Doctor of Administration in Physical Education.

“Doc” moved around the country making stops at the University of Northern Michigan and the University of Iowa (to name a few) before coming to the University of South Dakota. At USD she started several programs including “Partners in Play”, a program that involved USD students and the community.

When her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she saw a need to write a manual on the impact on care givers. The work was entitled “I Said My Last Goodbye”.

Doc was very active in her profession and attended state, regional and national conventions, usually presenting a paper or making a presentation.

Once she retired from the University, she found a home in the country. She began volunteering at the care center. She started her work by leading exercises like “Sit and Be Fit”. Gradually her work morphed into subbing for loyal pastors when a conflict arose.
Doc loved her profession and the students she taught. She was one of a kind.

A celebration of her life will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, February 22 at the Hansen Funeral Home in Vermillion, with burial at a later date in Omro, WI. HansenFuneralHome.com.