Virginia F. Gruenke

Virginia F. Gruenke, nee Field, age 95, of Fairview Heights, IL, born on August 1, 1930, in East St. Louis, IL, died on March 12, 2026.

Virginia was an avid seamstress, sewing and crocheting for family and friends. She also tole painted her husband’s wood creations. She was a preschool teacher for 23 years at First Baptist Church and she also worked at Jo Ann Fabrics for 10 years. She celebrated being a 70-year member of First Baptist Church of Fairview Heights.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vernon L. Gruenke; her parents, Roy W. and Hazel, nee Judd Field, Sr; her great grandson, Quinten Gruenke; and her siblings, Roy Field, Jr., Donald Field, and Dorothy Seals.

Virginia is survived by her sons, David (Christine) Gruenke of Nolensville, TN, Steven L. (Mary Su) Gruenke of Belleville, IL, James (Paulette) Gruenke of Maysville, KY, Scott D. (Stephanie) Gruenke of Stella, NC, and Daniel  (Debra) Gruenke of Murfreesboro, TN; 16 grandchildren, Luke (Candace) Gruenke, Jennifer Gruenke, Jill Gruenke, John Gruenke, Mary Ann Acord, Shannon (James) Polk, Joshua Gruenke, Sarah (Joshua) Johnson, Douglas (Georgia) Gruenke, Chad Gruenke, Grace Williams, Christopher Vasquez, Armand Vasquez, Genevieve Vasquez Danielle (Tanner) Campbell, and Delainee Gruenke; 12 great grandchildren, Elli Gruenke, Chloe Cumberledge, Claire Gruenke, Cole Gruenke, Amanda (Nghia) Nguyen, Jesse Campbell, Emmalee Polk, Carson Polk, Colston Earlywine, Everly Johnson, Josh Johnson and Jacob Gruenke; 2 great-great grandchildren, Lincoln and Beckham Cumberledge.  

Memorials may be made to the children’s ministry in care of “First Baptist Church of  Fairview Heights.”

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL. 

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Fairview Heights, IL., with Pastor Scott Douglas officiating.  Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL. 

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