Watch Jean's Funeral

Jean Hamernik, age 89, of Ulen MN, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023 in her home under the care of her family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Jean Lorain, one of five daughters born to Rudolph and Inga (Hilde) Matson, was born on January 4, 1934 in Hagen township, rural Felton, MN.  She grew up on the family farm and attended country grade school.  Jean was baptized and confirmed at Jevnaker Lutheran Church, near her home.  As a family with all girls, she and her sisters worked side-by-side with their father on the farm.  In 1952, Jean graduated from Felton High School. She was then employed by the Felton School for 2 years, after which she began working as a telephone operator in Fargo, ND.  Jean also helped with childcare for neighboring families.  She met the love of her life, Stanley Hamernik, at a dance and they were united in marriage on October 11, 1958.  The couple moved to Stanley's family farm, near Flom, MN, where they made their forever home together. While raising their six children and housework, Jean was also crucial to the farm.  She milked cows, drove tractor, raised chickens, and had a large garden.  All the while, she was very active in the daily events of her children, the Walworth Homemakers, 4-H, VFW Auxiliary, and Aspelund Lutheran Church. When her grandchildren were born, Jean often let them stay at the farm while their parents were working or even if they just wanted to have a slumber party. She loved having children around the house and her easy-going attitude made it a fun environment for all. No one ever left Grandma Jean's house hungry, as she always had a treat or an ice cream bar to share.  She treasured her family and was very involved in her children and grandchildren's lives. She enjoyed following their events and watching them play sports.  Jean loved sports of all types and always had a game playing on the TV, Radio, or both!  Jean was patient and kind. She was generous with her smile and compliments to others. Her love and encouragement created a family who will carry on her legacy for years to come.

Jean was the last of the era of Matson girls and was surely greeted in Heaven by her sisters.  She will be greatly missed here but continues to be surrounded in love with her Lord, Stanley, and all her precious family and friends who have gone before.  Jean was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and four sisters: Audrey (Donald), Orpha (Skyler), Ruby (Wendell), and Mavis.

She is survived by her sons: Kevin (Feroll Haakenson) of Audubon, MN, Daniel of Glyndon, MN and Jason (Mandy) of Ulen; daughters: Julie (Garrett) Thornton of Twin Valley, MN, Patty Boreen of Twin Valley and Stephanie (Ryan) Olson of Flom; 19 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.   Also, brother-in-law, Marvin Corneliussen; and sisters-in-law: Colleen Hamernik, Irene Klemetson, Georgia Fuchs, Marlys Hamernik, Helen & Marvin Slette, Ed & Arlene Hamernik.

A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at 11am at Aspelund Lutheran Church, Flom, MN.   A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 14 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm, with a prayer service at 6:30pm, at the Aspelund Lutheran Church.