Erna Jane DeBlois

Erna J. DeBlois, age 90, of Kimball, died Saturday, April 9, 2022 at her home at Savannah Prairie Assisted Living under the care of hospice.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 15, 2022, at Concordia Lutheran Church, Fairhaven with visitation one hour prior to the service. Rev. David Buchs will officiate. Burial will follow at Concordia Lutheran Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home website. Memorials are preferred to Concordia Lutheran Church.

Erna Jane Hinz was born October 10, 1931 in South Haven, Minnesota to Henry "Bob" and Emily (Stewart) Hinz. Erna grew up in South Haven and attended school in Annandale, graduating in 1949. She then attended St. Cloud State Teachers College, obtaining her degree in 1951. On February 27, 1953, she was united in marriage to LeRoy "Corky" DeBlois in Waite Park. They made their home in the Fairhaven area, where they raised their six children. Prior to working for the Kimball School in the special education department for 17 years, Erna worked for Aetna in Minneapolis. In 1972, Erna switched careers and worked for Bernatello's in Maple Lake. She was a foster grandma for Annandale Elementary for over 25 years, retiring in 2018. As an educator, children always had a special place in Erna's heart. Erna was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church. She enjoyed embroidery work and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Barry of Fairhaven, Laurie (Charlie) Kersten of Fairhaven, Tina Tobin of Annandale, Wendy (Alan) Van Vleet of Annandale, Doug (Stephanie) of Arlington, and Kim (Rodney) Simons of Annandale; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a great-great grandaughter; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. Erna was preceded in death by her husband, Corky; siblings, Cleo Hinz, Eleanor Kautio, and Helen Anderson; son-in-law, Bill "Toby" Tobin; and grandson-in-law, Guy Thompson.

Erna's grandsons will serve as casket bearers. Lynn Hoff will provide the music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted with Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

Obituary, Tribute Wall, Video Tribute and Funeral Webcast online at www.dingmannfuneral.com

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