Neta Le Oelke

NETA LE OELKE, age 86 of Waseca, passed away at Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester on March 16, 2022 following a brief illness.

Born in Storm Lake, Iowa on January 19, 1936, Neta was the daughter of Henry and Lillian (Stephan) Johnson. She attended school in Waseca, graduating with the class of 1954 before continuing her education at Mankato State where she graduated with honors earning a degree in education. Neta was happily married to Burnell “Barney” Oelke for 50 years and together they owned and operated Barney’s Drive-In in Waseca for over 25 years. Following retirement she enjoyed traveling with her husband, gardening, reading and spending time with family and friends. She was a long-time member of Grace Lutheran Church, a Girl Scout troop leader, a member of the Waseca Garden Club and the Waseca Historical Society.

Neta is survived by her daughter Becky and favorite son-in-law Ed Loeb of North Kingstown, RI; special nieces and nephews Cathy (Dave) Scherer, Steve (Nancy) Sershen, Dan (Terri) Sershen, Dan Oelke, Sue (Dale) Johnson, Jim Oelke, and Linda (Earl Hall) Oelke; and many great nieces and nephews who she dearly loved. She was preceded in death by her husband and her sister Janet Sershen-Lachowitzer.

The family will hold a private gathering to share memories and celebrate Neta’s life. Burial will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.