Luverne Catherine (Hance) Mooney

Luverne C. Mooney, age 98, of Maple Lake, died and went to heaven on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at the Annandale Care Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Maple Lake with Fr. John Meyer as Celebrant. Private burial will follow at St. Timothy Catholic Cemetery. Due to Covid restrictions and Luverne's large family, there may be limited capacity available for non-relatives at the funeral. Public visitation without family present will be held from 4:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 26 at Dingmann Funeral Care Chapel in Maple Lake.

Luverne Catherine Mooney was born on October 1, 1922 to William and Emma (Provo) Hance in Maple Lake Township. She graduated from Maple Lake High School with the Class of 1940 and attended Teacher Training in 1941. She taught at District 64 in Stearns County. Except for the year at teacher training, she lived her entire life in the community of Maple Lake. On June 22, 1943, Luverne was united in marriage to David R. Mooney at St. Timothy Catholic Church in Maple Lake. To this union was born 6 children, Jeanne, Judith, Elizabeth, William, Karen and John.

Luverne was a life-time member of St. Timothy Catholic Church where she was on the Council of Catholic Women, Lady Foresters and served as a Eucharistic Minister. Her faith in God was unfailing and strong. She spent her life loving her husband of 73 years, her 6 children, 24 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 13 great-great grandchildren.

Luverne was quoted as saying that "patience is not inherited, but learned." She practiced this life lesson daily while she was working in Kindergarten at Maple Lake Elementary. Teaching was not just a job, but a calling; she was pleased to be part of their education. It amazed the family that she could remember the names of all her students for many years.

Luverne enjoyed gardening, cooking, baking and had a wonderful sense of humor. Hospitality was part of her DNA; when a grandchild would stop for a snack with friends, she could be found to treat them to a meal before a game. She will be greatly missed.

Luverne is survived by her children, Jeanne Kramer of Monticello, Judy (Rick) Paumen of Maple Lake, Betty Dircks of Maple Lake, Bill (Joni) Mooney of Little Falls, and John (Vicky) Mooney of Neenah, WI; 24 grandchildren, Joe Kramer, Patty Hoversten, David Kramer, Karen Lessard, Jim Paumen, Shelly Dodge, Tammy Paumen, Joe Paumen, Michael Dircks, Kim Palme, Pat Dircks, Peter Mooney, Joy Mooney, Jed Mooney, Nate Mooney, Anne McElroy, Christine McElroy, Nich McElroy, Justin Mooney, Tara Domer and Leah Zuiches; 39 great-grandchildren; 13 great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Don Mooney and Tom (Kathleen) Mooney; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Emma Hance; husband, David; daughter, Karen McElroy; grandchildren, Ronald Kramer and Colleen Dircks; and sons-in-law, Bob Kramer, Don Dircks, and Greg McElroy.

Michael Dircks, Justin Mooney, David Kramer, Jim Paumen, Joe Paumen and Peter Mooney will serve as pallbearers. Krista Elsenpeter and Jacinta Budke will provide music for the service. 

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