Ginger M. Wilson (nee: Emery) of St. Louis, MO, from Barnard, SD, peacefully went home to the Lord on April 7, 2026 with her family by her side.

Preceded in death by her parents William & Marjorie (nee: Hemen) Emery; sister Linda Mork; brother Terry Emery; brothers-in-law Dale Mork and Jeffrey Wilson; son-in-law Stephen Branstetter; and many dear friends and extended relatives.

She is survived by her husband of 19 years, John B. Wilson; her children Tracey Branstetter and Dean (Kristin) Johnson; her stepchildren Jennifer (Randy) Gann and Samantha Wilson; her grandchildren Taylor (Tony Liccardi), Carly, and Hannah Branstetter and Anna, Norman, and Abi Jo Johnson; her step grandchildren Christine Branstetter and Logan and Cameron Blankenship; her great grandson Leo Liccardi; her sister-in-law Linda Emery; and her Aunt Betty Hemen; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Ginger was born on January 31, 1944 and raised on the family farm in South Dakota. After high school, she attended x-ray school at St. Luke's Hospital in Aberdeen, SD. As soon as she graduated, her adventurous spirit led her to move to Colorado Springs, CO to start her career then moved to Anaheim, CA eventually settling in St. Louis. Ginger dedicated over 40 years of her life to her career as an X-ray technician.

She married her husband, John, in June 2007—the same year she retired from her successful career—allowing them to spend their years traveling the world together. Ginger loved traveling with family and friends, whether it was a weekend at the Lake of the Ozarks, visits back to South Dakota, or international trips across Europe and Australia.

Throughout her life, Ginger was an avid softball player, golfer, and dancer. She spent many years country line dancing, even making appearances on local television. She enjoyed playing shuffleboard and cards with friends and family. She especially loved to watch her grandkids play basketball or show goats at the Brown County Fair (SD). In her final months, she found immense happiness in spending time with friends and family.

Ginger simply loved to have fun. The world feels a little brighter knowing she is smiling down on all who loved her. Her memory will live on through the many lives she touched—whether through shared travels, laughter, or a simple game of cards.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Mercy Health Foundation - Hospice Medical Services or Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital in Ginger's honor.

In keeping with her passion for health and medicine, Ginger donated her body to science at Washington University.

Services: There will be two Celebrations of Life held at later dates in St. Louis, MO (May 3rd; The Pizza Pub at 1267 Jungermann Rd 63376 from 1pm-3pm) and Aberdeen, SD (June 13th; Wylie Park Picnic Shelter B from 12:30pm-2:30pm).