Catherine LaRue (Herges) Kociemba

Catherine ‘LaRue’ Kociemba, age 87 of Elk River, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at Elk River Sr Living Center in Elk River, MN.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 10:30 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church with Father Mark Innocenti and Deacon Ernie Kociemba as Celebrants. Interment will be in St. Andrew’s Cemetery in Elk River.

Catherine ‘LaRue’ Herges was born July 10, 1936 to Peter and Alvina (Meyer) Herges in Melrose, MN. She graduated from Melrose High School in 1954. LaRue married Stanley Kociemba in 1960. The pair lived in Columbia Heights for a couple years, then moved to Blaine and eventually moved to the Ramsey/Elk River area where they have lived the past 50 years.

LaRue worked for the ISD 728 Elk River Area School District for 25 years where she gained many great friendships and fostered her love of helping children. She retired from the district in 1998.

LaRue lived a wonderful life, full of happiness and love. She treasured being a mom to Joan, Sandy and Judy. She had a strong faith, was a member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Elk River for over 50 years, was a member of the Council of Catholic Women group, and a constant volunteer at the annual church festival where she enjoyed visiting with everyone. LaRue loved to entertain family and friends, was an excellent cook and baker, loved to read books, play games, do puzzles, travel and go on walks. Her love of music was constant and she LOVED to dance. Even dementia couldn’t take that away.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Stan; children, Joan (Keith) Finkbeiner, Sandy (Mark) Olzenak, Judy (Andy) Blaylock; grandchildren, Rachel (Tyler) Brown, Janell (Cooper) Bleyhl, Kelsey (Joe) Ellsworth, Eric Blaylock, Alycia Olzenak, Carter Olzenak; great-grandchildren, Emmett Ellsworth, Albany Ellsworth, Aaron Brown; siblings, Dolores Schmidt, Peter (Joan) Herges, Tom Herges; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepmother; infant brother; nine brothers-in-law; and nine sisters-in-law.

Serving the family is Dare’s Funeral Home of Elk River, MN. 763-441-1212. www.daresfuneralhome.com

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