Eva Lu Hemme, 98, Luverne, died Friday, April 10, 2020, at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage.
A private family graveside service will be Tuesday, April 14, at the Maplewood Cemetery in Luverne. A celebration of Eva Lu’s life will be at a later date.
Eva Lu Margaret Mann was born on Jan. 10, 1922, to Albert and Hilda (Wulf) Mann of Luverne. She was raised on the Mann homestead and attended country school. Following her education she spent a short time in California working as a housekeeper and nanny. She returned to Minnesota and worked at John Morrell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, until she was married.
On June 11, 1944, she married Melvin Hemme. They lived in Luverne and raised their seven children. Their second child, David James, died of polio at age 2 1/2. Eva Lu’s family was her greatest joy. She dedicated her life to her children and their interests. The family was very active in 4-H Club.
After her children were grown, she worked as a caterer for the Blue Mound Inn until retirement. She enjoyed working in her garden, tending to her flowers and baking. She was a passionate Minnesota sports fan and followed the Luverne High School teams. She especially enjoyed the family gathering of more than 50 relatives in June 2019 at the Luverne City Park.
Eva Lu was honored as the oldest living member of the founding families of St. John Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed.
Eva Lu is survived by six children, Dennis Hemme of St. Cloud, Joan (Randy) Boomgaarden of Zumbrota, Pamela Bindert of Greenfield, Alan (Amy) Hemme of Bena, Gloria (Mark) Aanenson of Brooklyn Park, and Robyn Hemme of Luverne; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a daughter-in-law, Colleen Hemme of Sleepy Eye.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; a son, David; a son-in-law, Craig Bindert; her parents; and her sisters and brother.
Arrangements are provided by Hartquist Funeral Home of Luverne, www.hartquistfuneral.com.
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