Eileen Frances Kinneberg

Eileen Frances Kinneberg, 83, of rural Lanesboro, passed away at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Friday, November 18, 2022.

Eileen was born November 2, 1939. to John Edward and Alvera (Workman) O’Connor at her uncle’s farm home. She attended the Crystal Springs School and graduated from Preston High School in 1958. On December 28, 1960, she married Ernest Kinneberg. She loved to go dancing on Saturday nights with Ernest in Decorah, Austin, or Rochester. Eileen was a tenacious gardener with a large garden every summer for many years.

She worked at the Snack Shop in Preston, as a nanny in Cresco, Iowa, and for over 15 years at Fillmore Place in Preston. Eileen and Ernest lived on a farm east of Preston for many years. Eileen was a member of the Union Prairie Lutheran Church, where she had been active with the Ladies Aid and was a Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher. 

Eileen is survived by her husband Ernest, four children: Sheri (Lowell) Holtegaard, Scott Kinneberg, Sandra (Rick) Sjarpe, and Sheldon (SueAnn) Kinneberg; nine grandchildren: Derek (Sarah) Holtegaard, Bethany (Jake) Kronebusch, Matthew (Olivia) Holtegaard, Brandon Sjarpe, Daniel Sjarpe, John (Gabby) Kinneberg, Nick (Holly) Kinneberg, Kathryn Kinneberg, and Madalyn Kinneberg; eight great-grandchildren, one step-great-grandson, two sisters, Annette (John) Aske and Beth (Jerry White) Mensink; three brothers: Tom O’Connor, Terry O’Connor and Gary Mike (Linda) O’Connor; and many nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Lois Baumgardner; and a nephew, Gary Allen.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m, Tuesday, November 22 at Union Prairie Lutheran Church in rural Preston.  Visitation will be 4–7 p.m. Monday, November 21 at the Union Prairie Lutheran Church and again one hour prior to the service at the church.  The Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel is assisting with arrangements.