Burns Harbor stalwart, Virginia I. “Ginger” Blank, of Burns Harbor, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2004 in Chesterton. She was 71.

She was born Feb. 5, 1933 in Hobart, the daughter of Paul and Lucille (Berrier) Verplank, both of whom preceded her in death.

She is survived by a son, Kenneth (Brenda) Blank II of Franklin, Ky.; a daughter, Paula (Douglas) Walstra of Chesterton, nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

She moved to Chesterton from Hobart in 1951 with her parents to run Verplank and Son’s Towing, a family owned business. In 1949 she was rewarded with a bronze and silver medal in the US. National Roller Skating competition at the Hollywood Bowl. After graduating from Hobart High School, she led a fashion modeling career, landing a featured photo in Vogue magazine.

In 1967 she was hired as The Town of Burns Harbor’s first Police, Street and Building Clerk, and later was promoted to Deputy Town Marshal and Matron. Around the same time, a street was dedicated to the family name, Verplank Drive in Burns Harbor.

She retired from the Porter County Sheriff Department in 1999 as a Jail Officer. She was extremely enthusiastic, excited and proud of her 32 years in Law Enforcement work and achievements. Her hobbies included working crosswords and watching football and figure skating. She also liked researching genealogy.

A memorial service, Pastor Tim McGuire officiating, will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 28 at Edmonds & Evans Funeral Home, Portage Chapel, 6941 Central Ave., Portage.

Memorials may be sent to VNA Hospice of Porter County, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Posted12/27/2004