LORETTA ELODIA DEBRETO HENKE, age 86, longtime resident of Virginia, MN departed her earthly life on September 11, 2009. She was born January 21, 1923 in Biwabik, MN, the daughter of Dan and Incornata (Zilla) DeBreto.
To my dear friends and family, I have had so many blessings fulfill my life and now journey to eternity. Celebrate my life and let fond remembrances bring laughter and joy to each of you.
On January 3rd, 1948 I married my wonderful husband Hank and from that union we created a wonderful family whom I now leave to cherish my memories. Dick Henke in Minneapolis, Bobbie (Dave) Leas in Houston, TX, Linda Van Ryn in New Hope and Sally (Greg) Harvey in Rio Verde, AZ. From these unions I was blessed with 6 grandchildren Jennifer (Ron) Harmon, Joe (Tiffany) Tamminen, William and Charlie Henke and Erich (Lisa) Van Ryn and Laura Van Ryn. I was also blessed with two unbelievable great grandchildren Julia and Luke Harmon.
Our family shared extraordinary summers on the lakes of Minnesota camping, fishing and enjoying the adventure with our good friends the Johnson family. Four adults and eight kids one can only imagine the fun times we shared. Hank and I shared new memories as we enjoyed our time at the Henke Rocky Knoll cabin on Lake Vermillion Daisy Bay with our dog Duke.
The greatest joys of my life were my family and the love I shared helping others. I was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church family whom I share so many memories and life long friends and acquaintances. My life brought along with it many challenges but with the help of my many friends and faith in God I persevered.
Loretta lived her last years at the Virginia Convalescent Unit and would want everyone up there to be acknowledged for the wonderful care and love they gave her each day. They were her family when her children were unable to be there. Her second family gave her joy and strength everyday.
Loretta is also survived by her sisters: Lucy Poupard and Carmie Kure; her sister-in-law: Phyllis DeBreto; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband: Hank; her parents; and her two brothers: Lawrence and Rocci.
A Gathering time for family and friends will be held Monday, September 14, 2009 from 10:00 until the 11:00 a.m. Memorial Service at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia. Pastor Nathan Sager will officiate. The family invites everyone downstairs for a time of fellowship and refreshment following the service.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share remembrances of Loretta online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

Gathering Time for Family & Friends

Monday September 14, 2009 , 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Memorial Service

Monday September 14, 2009 , 11:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

1-888-579-7953 Code: 74804P


Facts Born: January 21, 1923
Place of Birth: Biwabik, MN USA
Death: September 11, 2009
Place of Death: Virginia, MN 55792
Occupation: Homemaker
Hobbies: Family & Friends
Organizations: Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church

Memorial Donations Memorial donations can be made to: