Jean Lhotka died on December 28, 2025, at the Frazee Care Center, Frazee, MN, at the age of 96. Jean was born November 5, 1929, to Oscar and Hulda (Johnson) Rukke in Winger, MN, and lived in Mahnomen for almost 90 years. During World War II, her family lived in Portland, OR, for two years. She graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1947 then worked at Northern Bell Telephone Co in Detroit Lakes, MN, for two years.

Jean was joined in marriage to Russell Lhotka on May 28, 1949, where her life was spent partnering with her husband of 52 years in farming and ranching. They were blessed with two daughters, Linda Rae and Susan Renee. They managed a large Black Angus cow-calf operation for Cramer Ranches for 7 years, then took over the entire operation in 1968. They were involved with the Mahnomen Riding Club for many years. They had been retired nine years before Russell's death in 2001.

Jean loved to cook, refinish furniture, and decorate. She was an avid reader. Her priorities were her family and home, the business, and her lifelong friends. In 2008, she sold the family farm and moved into the Jefferson Apartments in Mahnomen, which she greatly enjoyed. Due to declining health, she moved to live with her grandson and his wife in Detroit Lakes for one year before being transferred to the Frazee Care Center.

Jean is survived by her daughter, Susan Johnson; son-in-law, David Kirsch; grandsons: Chris (Celicia) Kirsch, Jason (April) Kirsch, Justin (Alison) Kirsch, Mat (Laura) Kirsch, and Nathan Johnson; great-grandchildren: Kyler Buschette, Kaylin Kirsch, Lillian Johnson-Wark, Ella Rae Kirsch, Finn Kirsch, Kruz Kirsch, Lainey Kirsch, and Evelyn Kirsch; and many nieces and nephews.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Russ; daughter, Linda Kirsch; three brothers: Orvin, Virgil, and Lyle Rukke; and sister, Verna Paul.

A Celebration of Life Open House will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Mahnomen.