Funeral services were held for Jlona Perna of New York Mills, Minnesota on Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, Minnesota with Pastor Don Salo officiating. The hymns were sung by Caroline Januszewski, Andy and Janet Tumberg and the congregation, accompanied by Janet Tumberg. The honorary pallbearers were Dave Perna, Christopher Perna, A.J. Perna, Elliot Muraski, Steven Evert, Marvin Wensman, Charlie Wensman, Jack Wensman, Casey Januszewski and Max Manders. Jlona was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills, Minnesota.
Jlona LaLene Perna was born on July 16, 1927 in Newton Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota. Her parents were the late Alfred and Elvira (Keskinen) Hepola. Jlona grew up on the family farm in Newton Township, rural New York Mills, Minnesota. She attended country school in rural New York Mills, Minnesota. She was employed at the Mills Café in New York Mills. On June 14, 1947 she was united in marriage to Marvin Perna in Wadena, Minnesota. They resided in Butte, Montana for one year and then moved to New York Mills, Minnesota. After residing in New York Mills for a year they moved back to Butte, Montana for a year and then to Heinola for a year. They resided in Perham, Minnesota from 1952 to 1962. In 1970 they moved to Pine Lake, rural Perham, Minnesota. Since 1971 they have resided in Heinola. She was a seamstress throughout their marriage and a home maker. She also enjoyed ceramics, painting and crafting. She was also an excellent cook, baker and canner. Jlona loved to be outside gardening and doing yard work. She loved her family unconditionally, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. On May 5, 2006 Jlona passed away at the Elders Home in New York Mills, Minnesota at 78 years of age. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Preceding Jlona in death were her parents; and six brothers: Clarence, Reuben, Lesley, Robert, Etsel and Roy.
Jlona is survived by her husband, Marvin Perna of New York Mills; six daughters: Joni Brouse of Moorhead; Diane (Dan) Muraski of Edina; Bonnie (Scott) Evert of Vadnais Heights; Janel (Jon) Wensman of Alexandria; Caroline (Kevin) Januszewski of Sartell; Rochel (Paul) Manders of Woodbury; two sons: Allan (Joann) Perna of Coon Rapids; Cary (Joann) Perna of West Fargo; twenty grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Lillian Aschenbrenner of Butte, Montana; two brothers: Don Hepola of Aberdeen, South Dakota; Wesley (Lois) Hepola of Eveleth; many other relatives and a host of friends.
Arrangements were provided by the Karvonen & Son Funeral Home in New York Mills, Minnesota.
