Edna Hemken

Edna Hemken, 79, of Vandalia, passed away February 26, 2023, at St. Louis University Hospital, in St. Louis, MO.

Edna was born July 22, 1943 in Newark, Ohio, the daughter of Charlie Marshall and Ethel Mae (Tippett) Lorance, Sr. She married Willard L. Hemken on December 28, 1990, in Vandalia, IL. They were married for 32 years.

She worked as a CNA in Joliet, IL and also at the Lutheran care Center in Altamont, IL.

Flowers, hummingbirds, and dogs, especially schnauzers, were some of the things Edna was entertained by and took delight in watching. She was a fine, lovable lady  who never said a cross word or anything inappropriate about or to anyone. She was not quick tempered or loose tongued. She tried to be kind to everyone and respectful to all.  She was the ideal to strive for and an example to which the bar was set high. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Ethel.

She is survived by her husband, Willard Hemken of Vandalia, IL, sons, Brian Hemken of Vandalia, IL and Scott Hemken of Witt, IL, siblings, Charlie (Rose) Lorance, Jr. of Jamestown, TN and Patricia Moore of Ramer, TN, and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm., Wednesday, March1, 2023, at the Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 201 S. Main St., Sorento, IL 62086.

Funeral: 12:00 pm., following the visitation, with Pastor Rudy Elam, officiating.

Edna will be cremated following the funeral, per her wishes.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Second Chance Rescue, 1332 N. 1150 St., Vandalia, IL 62471.

The family asks that donations, to Second Chance Rescue, be made in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, as animals, especially dogs, were very dear to Edna.

The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral homes of Sorento with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.