June Ista

June Constance Belle Ista, age 81 of Hampton, was unexpectedly called home to be with God on Thursday evening, April 14, 2011 at United Hospital in St. Paul. June was born at home in Cannon Falls on June 1, 1929, daughter of Howard L. and Mabel (Bloomberg) Duncan. She graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1947 as Valedictorian. After high school she worked at the First National Bank in Cannon Falls until her marriage. She married Darrell G. Ista on December 29, 1948 at the First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls. Together, they farmed and raised their family in the Hampton area. She was a lifelong, active member of First English Lutheran Church over the years, participating as a Sunday School teacher, youth leader, choir member, Cannon Falls Food Shelf leader, Prayer Chain coordinator and Women's Circle member. While her children were in school, June also actively supported their school and sports activities. Once her children were grown, June also enjoyed working as a bookkeeper at Point of Sales in Cannon Falls for several years. In addition to spending a significant amount of time with family and friends, she enjoyed gardening, music, reading, animals (especially cats), knitting and crocheting. She and Darrell enjoyed traveling around the United States to locations of historical importance, and had also enjoyed traveling to Germany and the Bahamas. June was a kind-hearted woman with a strong faith and gentle smile. She will be remembered by her family and friends for her loving and fun-spirited nature. She was preceded in death by her parents; infant sister, Dorothy Marie Duncan; and brother-in-law, Jim Gergen. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Darrell; children, Margaret "Peg" (Jerry) Swanson of St. Paul, Steven (Jane) of Houston, TX, John (LuAnn) of Northfield, and William "Bill" (Cindy) of Minnesott Beach, NC; seven grandchildren, Gretchen (Gary) Johnson, Michelle Chilefone, Christi (Travis) Nonn, Amanda Ista, Andrew Ista, Thomas Ista, and Rachel Swanson; five great-grandchildren, Kenny Swanson, Michael Chilefone, Riley and Madeline Johnson, and Samara Nonn; sister, Betty Gergen of Lake Elmo; brother, Rodney "Dick" (Verlaine) Duncan of Rochester; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the First English Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls, with Pastors Phillip Ruud and Daniel Forsgren officiating. Interment will follow at the Cannon Falls Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5-8:00 p.m. at Lundberg Funeral Home in Cannon Falls. There will also be visitation at the church on Thursday from 10-10:30 a.m. Active pallbearers will be her grandchildren and their spouses. Memorials are preferred to the First English Lutheran Church Foundation, Randolph Dollars for Scholars, and Pet Adoption of Cannon Valley.

Funeral Home: Lundberg Funeral Home 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd Cannon Falls, MN US 55009

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Previous Events

Visitation
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Service
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Graveside Service
Thursday, April 21, 2011

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