Jerome Kiehne

Jerome Frederick Kiehne was born at home in rural Nelson, MN on February 9, 1939 to Carl and Edna (Olson) Kiehne.  Jerome grew up on a farm north of Garfield, MN attended school in Alexandria, MN and graduated from Central High School in 1957. Jerome was united in marriage to Darlene Strom in 1957 and the union was blessed with six daughters.

Jerome started his career farming with his father, went on to drive semi-truck over the road for Farmers Elevator of Kensington, and in 1974 started his own construction business. He continued his construction business until this past August, when his health no longer allowed for it.

In 1992, Jerome met Jeanne Erickson and for the next 20 years they built a life together. During that time, they shared their love of travel, country music, and time spent with family and friends.

Jerome enjoyed being a member of the local Lions Club and volunteering his carpentry talents in the community.

Jerome passed away on December 4, 2021 at Douglas County Hospital at the age of 82 years. He was surrounded by the love of his family. He often stated that he was grateful that he did not have pain.

Jerome will be remembered for his optimism, love of a great joke, his gift of listening to others, and his appreciation of the simple things in life. Jerome loved his family and friends, having coffee with “the guys”, planting flowers, and bidding the next job.

Jerome is survived by his six daughters. Jody (Tim) Moen of Mounds View, Robin (Kurt) DeMaris of Shevlin, Christine (Brian) Ley of Apache Junction, Victoria (John) Dale of Alexandria, Dawn (Joe) Miles of Kensington, Jennifer (Mark) Bennett of Kensington. Stepdaughter, Kari Martinson of Eagle Bend. 15 grandchildren Bradley (Niki) Wodash, Todd (Kristina) Wodash, Laura Moen, Jacob Moen, Michele (Billy) Euerle, Scott Ley, Elizabeth LaTourelle, Kathryn (Josh) Wicker, Kayla (Kyle) Jones, Rachel (Scott) Halvorson, Ashley (Jake Wegener) Bennett, Julia (David) Berget, James Nelson, Alicia Martinson, Andrew Martinson, and sister Joanne Boen of Fergus Falls. Jerome was also blessed with 14 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, many friends and his special friend, Lynn Vetrone.  He was preceded in death by his beloved Jeanne, his parents, and siblings Carlyle Kiehne, Andriene Wilke, and Louval Kiehne.

Memorials in Jerome’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Douglas County Hospice Program.

Dad will be missed greatly but we know that if he could, he would say “ Don’t worry about me, I am finer than frog hair ”.

A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Messiah Lutheran Church, Hoffman, MN.

Visitation from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday at Messiah Lutheran Church, with a Prayer Service at 7:00. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service.

To view the memorial tribute, and place online condolences, please visit EricksonSmithFH.com.