Jean Hernke

Lila “Jean” Hernke, age 88, of Cannon Falls, died Monday, June 17, 2019 at Three Links Care Center in Northfield.

Jean was born on February 6, 1931 in Belle Creek Township, the daughter of Lawrence and Lillian (Hoseth) Groth. She grew up in Goodhue County and graduated from Wanamingo High School. On October 29, 1955, Jean was united in marriage to Elroy Hernke at Trinity Lutheran Church. They farmed together for 40 years until his death in 1996. Jean was an active member of Urland Lutheran Church, where she served on the church council for many years. She was also a former long-time 4H Leader. She enjoyed reading and loved to bake food for her family, especially apple pies. She loved gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She very much loved living on the farm and taking care of her numerous pets.

Survivors include her children Jan (Keith) Holt, Rahn Hernke, Randi Samuelson, Taryn (Jim) Thoreson, and Kristi (Moussalam) Kouatli; grandchildren Aimee (Casey) Carlson, Arik (Laura) Holt, Lauralee (Joesa) Olson, Venessa (Jason) Mandelkow, Megan (Nic) Anderson, Kaitlin (Jimmy) Beissel, Blake (Emily) Thoreson, Colton (Nasha) Thoreson,  and Ahmad, Halla, Hanna, Layth, and Layla Kouatli; great-grandchildren Mason, Madalynn, Jack, Aydria, Will, Tess, Nolan, Clara, Millie, Gretta, and Abel; sister Evelyn Townsend; in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Elroy, son-in-law Bob Samuelson, brothers Ronald and Robert, and her sister Mary.

Memorials are suggested to Urland Lutheran Church.

Memorial services will be on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 2:00 pm at Urland Lutheran Church, 6940 County 9 Blvd, Cannon Falls, MN, 55009. Visitation will be from 1-2:00 pm at the church, prior to the service. Interment will be in the church cemetery. The family is being assisted by Lundberg Funeral Home of Cannon Falls .