Erna Lea Kehoe, 79, peacefully passed on April 23, 2025, at 6:07 p.m. in Coralville, Iowa. Erna’s loving family was by her side at her last breath.
Born July 26, 1945, in Perry, Iowa, Erna was the youngest daughter of Ernest and LeAnna (Jones) Hensen.
Her family were members of the Disciples of Christ Church in Woodward, where Erna was both baptized and later married to Rex LaVerne Kehoe. Together they had two biological children, Nita Lea and Alan Walter. They adopted two Korean sisters, Eva Min and Amy Sun (deceased).
Erna grew up on her parents’ farm northeast of Minburn. The family later moved east of Bouton off Iowa Highway 141, where Erna and her siblings, Bill and GeAnna, grew up on the farm.
Erna cherished time with her nearby cousins and enjoyed the beauty of rural life.
She attended elementary school at Gardner School and then Washington Township. Erna graduated Minburn High School in the class of 1964.
She was also a proud member of the Rainbow for Girls.
Erna began her career working at Sears. followed by earning her certificate in early childhood education from DMACC. Erna discovered her passion as a nanny and felt this was her calling. She loved being with her families and their children.
Later, the Ice Cream Factory became Erna’s family business. It was the iconic ice cream store in historic Valley Junction. Featured in “PM Magazine” and the “Des Moines Register,” the store was a community favorite. Her children worked alongside her. Erna loved sharing stories and connecting with the neighborhood families and shop keepers. Her favorite flavor was apricot brandy.
Erna was an active member of the West Des Moines Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She loved volunteering—especially in the craft group and at the annual garage sales. Erna attended weekly bible study and was very close to her church family. She loved them and they loved her. Christ was a guiding light throughout her life.
Erna was a strong-willed soul, living her life with determination, grace and a ready smile. She loved laughing and making friends, and she never went without either a laugh and a friend.
Erna was a bright light, and this is how we will always remember her.
Erna is survived by her children, Nita Lea Kehoe, Eva Min Geottsch and Alan Walter Kehoe; her siblings, GeAnna Clem and Bill Hensen; and grandchildren, Andrew William Kehoe, Abbigail Lynn Geottsch, Bennett Gene Geottsch, Luke Green and Jake Green.
In loving memory and celebration of Erna’s life, there will be a funeral service held on Friday, May 16 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel at 801 19th St. in West Des Moines, Iowa 50265. The Rev. Randy Ehrhardt from West Des Moines Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will officiate from 11-11:30 a.m., followed by a gathering with family in McLaren’s Funeral Home.
