Ethel (Joann)

Ethel "Joann" Lurth, a cherished soul and beacon of love and resilience, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family. Born on December 17, 1930, in St. Peter, Minnesota, Joann graced the world with her warmth and kindness for 95 extraordinary years. Joann was the beloved daughter of Bert and Ethel Lurth, whose values of hard work and family devotion she carried throughout her life. She was predeceased by her cherished parents and siblings, daughter Luann Flaspeter, son Robert and his wife Jeanne, grandson William, her life partner Eugene Kienlen,and her children’s father, Lloyd Oldenburg. A proud graduate of Saint Peter High School, Joann's life was a testament to the strength and dedication of a true family matriarch. She married Lloyd Oldenburg, with whom she shared many fruitful years on the Oldenburg Family Farm in the German settlement of Belle Plaine, Minnesota. Together, they nurtured the land and their children, instilling a love for hard work and community. Following this chapter, Joann found solace and companionship with Gene Kienlen in Nicollet, Minnesota, until his passing. Joann's life was one of simplicity and beauty. She took immense pride in maintaining the family cattle farm alongside her children while her husband worked off the farm. Her love for flowers and decorating was evident in her meticulously tended gardens and beautifully kept home. An adventurous spirit, she embraced travel and found joy in the simple pleasure of playing cards. Yet, her greatest happiness came from the laughter and smiles of her grandchildren, who she adored and cherished deeply. Joann leaves behind a legacy of love through her surviving son, Randy, and his wife Jane, along with her seven grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her family will forever hold her memory dear, honoring the legacy she built with love, laughter, and unyielding dedication. A service to celebrate Joann's remarkable life will be held on July 10, 2026, at Woodland Cemetery in Mankato, Minnesota. Family will gather in a private ceremony in remembrance and gratitude for the life of a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests memorial donations be made in Joann's honor to a charity of your choice. Joann's life was a testament to the power of love and dedication, and her memory will forever remain a guiding light to those who were fortunate enough to know her.