Virginia Lynn Zink

Virginia Lynn Zink, 75, passed away on October 10, 2026, at Mercyhealth Hospital in Freeport, Illinois. A memorial service will be held Monday, October 19 at 4 p.m., at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Lanark. Visitation will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., prior to the service.

Virginia was born on August 31, 1951, in Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Oscar and Nada (Bonnell) Sweely. She graduated from Lanark High School with the class of 1969. Throughout her life, Virginia approached each day with an eagerness to learn something new and a willingness to share her many talents with others.

Over the years, Virginia held several factory positions, including employment with Elkay. She later worked at Lake Carroll’s West Marina, where she continued to be part of the community she loved.

Virginia had a passion for baking and delighted in sharing her delicious homemade treats with family and friends. She also sold her baked goods at local farmers markets and played an instrumental role in founding the Lake Carroll Farmers Market. Her love of gardening extended into her kitchen, where she put her many canning recipes for vegetables and meats to good use.

A talented crafter, Virginia loved attending craft shows and creating beautiful things with her hands. She enjoyed painting, woodworking, and making lovely Christmas ornaments. Her creativity and resourcefulness were evident in everything she did, and she was always ready to try something new.

Virginia was also quite the genealogist and took great pride in knowing her family history. She made sure her children and grandchildren knew even the most obscure family connections. Sometimes, a little patience was needed as she explained exactly how everyone was related, and it was not unusual for someone to ask for the “short explanation!”

Some of Virginia’s happiest moments were spent outdoors, especially when fishing with her grandson. Whether she was tending her garden, working on a craft, baking something special, or sharing family stories, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life and in the people around her.

Above all, Virginia loved her family deeply and would do anything for those she loved. She was mindful of how fortunate she was to have wonderful friends and a strong, supportive family, and she never took those relationships for granted.

Virginia is survived by her children, Troy (Rene) Dyson, of Morrison, IL, Erik (Kimberly) Zink, of Lena, IL, and Lara Zink, of Madison, WI; six grandchildren, Ryan, Jon, Brandi, Thomas, Alex, and Avah; five great-grandchildren, Hayden, Autumn, Bentley, Ethan, and Charlotte; brother, Tim (Barbara) Sweely, of Elizabeth, IL; niece and nephew, Emily and Aaron; great-niece, Vivienne; extended family members, Mike and Lauretta Boyer, Patricia Stover, and Dustyn Zublar, as well as many more extended family members, too numerous to list.