Jane Espeland

BLUE EARTH February 11, 2004Jane C. EspelandJane C. Espeland, age 86, of Blue Earth, died Wednesday, February 11, 2004, at St. Lukes Lutheran Care Center, Blue Earth. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2004, at 11:00 AM, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, with Rev. Stephen Bohling & Rev. Kenneth Carlson officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Blue Earth. Visitation time will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday, at Patton Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 400 E. 14th Street, in Blue Earth, and one hour prior to services at the church.Jane Clarice Johnson Espeland, daughter of Reinder & Dean (Hassebrock) Johnson, was born June 28, 1917, at Lakota, Iowa, where she lived on a farm with her family. Following her education in the Lakota area she farmed with her father and brothers. In 1942 her parents left the farm and moved to Elmore, MN. Jane found employment as a household assistant with Cassie and Emma Johnson, 2 miles south of Frost, MN. Later she moved to Blue Earth, where she learned the restaurant trade as an employee at the White House Caf?. In about 1954 she purchased her own business know as ?Jane?s Cafe? famous for home style cooked meals. In 1958 she was united in marriage to Ival Espeland. They were blessed with two children Wendell & Wanda. She and Ival owned and operated their business until they retired in 1973. Following their retirement they were involved in activities and service to their community. On August 27, 1989 Ival died after 31 years of marriage. Jane maintained a close bond with her friends and family. She especially enjoyed her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She liked to make quilts, play bingo and always looked forward to coffee and treats with family & friends.Jane was dedicated to the Lutheran church and became well known for cooking her beef and gravy at the Trinity church stand during the county fair. She prepared countless meals for families during their loved ones funeral, and enjoyed providing transportation to those in need. She also delivered church bulletins to those who were unable to make it to church and also to St. Luke?s. She was dedicated to her family, friends and community. She loved watching her grandchildren swim at the pool. She is survived by her Son: Wendell (& wife Dawn) Espeland, Tonganoxie, KSansas, Daughter: Wanda (& husband Michael Heenan) Ihle, Blue Earth, grandchildren: Amy Ihle and James Ihle of Blue Earth, Jason Espeland and Dena Espeland of Tonganoxie, Kansas and Kady Ihle-Heyes of Buffalo Center, Iowa, 3 great grandchilden: Heaven Ihle, Sidney Warmka and Cole Warmka. Also surviving are a Sister: Moline Eckman, St. James, Sister-in-law: Mabel Johnson, Albert Lea, 5 niece and 4 nephews, her sister Etta?s children: Esther Meyer, Edith Pruismann, Erma Bockoven, & Emel Pruismann. Her brother Reiner?s children: Sharon Lombard, Gary and Ronald Johnson and her sister Elizabeth?s children Paula Nicholson, Carla Christianson & James Hutchinson.She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, husband, brothers-Reiner, George & Andrew, Sisters- Etta Pruismann, Elizabeth Hutchinson and Kathryn Johnson.