KEHOE, Erna Lea

KEHOE, HENSEN, JONES

Posted By: Conni McDaniel Hall (email)
Date: 5/3/2025 at 07:56:32

Erna Lea Kehoe, 79, peacefully passed on April 23rd, 2025 at 6:07pm in Coralville, Iowa. Erna's loving family was by her side at her last breath. Born July 26th, 1945 in Perry, Iowa, Erna was the youngest daughter of Ernest and LeAnna (Jones) Hensen.

Her family were members of the Disciples of Christ Church in Woodward, Iowa where Erna was both baptized and later married to Rex LaVerne Kehoe. Together they had two biological children. Nita Lea and Alan Walter. They adopted two Korean sisters, Eva Min and Amy Sun (deceased).

Erna grew up on her parents' farm, first northeast of Minburn, Iowa. Later they moved east of Bouton off Highway 141 where Erna and her siblings, Bill and GeAnna, grew up on the farm. Erna cherished time with her nearby cousins and enjoyed the beauty of rural life.

She attended elementary school at Gardner School and then Washington Township. Erna graduated from Minburn High School in the class of 1964. She was also a proud member of the Rainbow for Girls.

Erna began her career working at Sears. Followed by earning her certificate in Early Childhood from DMACC. Erna discovered her passion as a nanny and felt this was her calling. She loved being with her families and their children.

Later, the Ice Cream Factory became Erna's family business. It was the iconic ice cream store in historic Valley Junction. Featured on PM Magazine and in The Des Moines Register, the store was a community favorite. Her children worked alongside her. Erna loved sharing stories and connecting with the neighborhood family and shop keepers. Her favorite flavor was Apricot Brandy.

Erna was active member of the West Des Moines Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She loved volunteering - especially in the craft group and at the annual garage sales. Erna attended weekly bible study and was very close to her church family. She loved them and they loved her. Christ was a guiding light throughout her life.

Erna was a strong-willed soul, living her life with determination, grace, and a ready smile. Erna loved laughing and making friends. She never went without either a laugh and a friend. Erna was a bright light and this is how we will always remember her.

Erna is survived by her children: Nita Lea Kehoe, Eva Min Geottsch and Alan Walter Kehoe. Her siblings: GeAnna Clem and Bill Hensen. Her grandchildren: Andrew William Kehoe, Abbigail Lynn Geottsch, Bennett Gene Geottsch, Luke Green and Jake Green.

Funeral service Friday, May 16th, 2025, at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel, West Des Moines, Iowa.

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Transcribed by Conni McDaniel Hall, a friend, from the funeral folder.