Memorial
Virginia “Ginger” Carlson Rystrom age 90 passed from this world on May 26, 2017 in St. Luke’s Hospice Care after suffering a stroke. Service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at 11 AM with a luncheon following the burial. Friends may visit from 5 PM to 7 PM on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.
Survivors include nieces, Nancy Geiger of Cedar Rapids; Carolyn (Tom) Thiesen of Olympia, WA; nephew, Don (Mary) Geiger of West Des Moines; a special friend, Liz Motsinger and a whole circle of friends who loved her. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray, brothers George and Russy, sister Betty Geiger, two nieces Jo Ann Wilson, and Jo Elaine Funke, and many special pets including their dog Rufus.
Ginger was born August 25, 1926 in Vinton, Iowa the daughter of Gustof Albert Carlson and Bessie Stewart Carlson. She attended ISU where she got her degree in dietetics. There she met her future husband, Raymond Rystrom, Jr. They were married on June 29, 1947. Ray and Ginger owned and operated Rystrom Engineering Co. for 31 years retiring from that in 1985. With Ray’s encouragement, Ginger became Iowa’s first female registered land surveyor on April 26, 1968. Together they surveyed and mapped several sections of Cedar Rapids and surrounding areas. 42nd Street in Cedar Rapids is one of the major roads they planned and mapped.
In 1957, they bought land east of Marion, where they farmed and raised cattle. Ginger remained on the farm following Ray’s death on May 18, 2000. In 2006 she moved to the MethWick Community where she became an active member and volunteer. Ginger had a love of life. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, watching birds (especially cardinals) and NASCAR racing.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family which will be used to provide new welcome banners and other special items for the residents at MethWick.