Lana Lyn Epley

Lana Lyn Epley, age 78, of River Falls, Wisconsin, formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Thursday, May 7, 2026, at her home. Lana was born March 7, 1948, to Leighton and Jean (Neste) Turvold in Austin, Minnesota. She graduated from Austin High School in 1966 and earned her associate’s degree from Austin Community College in 1968. She continued her education at Mankato State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in 1970 and proudly earned her master’s degree from Southwest Minnesota State University in 1999.

Lana married Roger Epley on June 13, 1970. She began her career in public schools until the couple had their first child, they were blessed with three children, Sarah, Todd, and Anne and after dedicating time to raising her children she rejoined the education field. She pioneered the Wee Learning Center at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, where she served as both teacher and director. Following her time at Wee Learning she continued teaching for the Austin Public Schools in kindergarten until her retirement in 2010. She was an educator for over 40 years dedicating her time to teaching fundamentals and helping to raise the future generations to be friendly faces and good people. To know Mrs. Epley was to be loved.

Lana enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Balsam Lake, Wisconsin, making lasting memories and building family traditions with her children and grandchildren. Known for her warm spirit, Lana treated everyone with kindness, generosity, shared infinite hugs, and was best known by so many as “Mom”. Lana loved the Lord and wanted others to know of His love; in doing so she shared her favorite devotionals “Jesus Calling” with many.

After the passing of Roger six years ago, Lana moved to River Falls, where she became an active member of the community and attended Faith Community Church in Hudson, Wisconsin. She spent most of her time making memories with her children, attending many of her grandchildren’s games, events, concerts and shows, meeting many of her neighbors and creating friendships in her new community.

Throughout her life, Lana enjoyed hosting parties, baking, reading, completing sudoku puzzles and planting flowers. She loved playing cards, striking up lively conversations in all social settings and if music was playing, she would be dancing. She was active in many bible studies and took great joy in seasonal decorating. One of Lana’s passions was traveling; she enjoyed visiting family and many historical monuments. She dedicated her life to helping others, she enjoyed volunteering at the Hormel Historic Home, and in the River Falls Elementary Schools.

Lana’s legacy will be carried on through her favorite quote “Love you more”.

Lana is survived by her children, Sarah Epley, Todd (Becca) Epley, and Anne (Chad) Moe; grandchildren, Evan, Catelyn, Bennett, Aubrey and Teagen; sister, Cindy Moretz; sisters-in-law, Darlene (Dean) Pater, Mary Jo McKinney, Jane (Lynn) Sathre, and Cheryl Epley; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leighton and Jean Turvold and her husband, Roger Epley.

A celebration of life for Lana will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota with a time of sharing beginning at 4:00 p.m. A memorial service is pending in Hudson, Wisconsin. Interment will be held at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Austin. Lana had a love for flowers, if you would like to send flowers to the service the family requests that you send them to the celebration in Austin so they can be enjoyed at both services. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.