Virginia Eileen Kehret

Virginia Eileen Kehret, age 84, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at her home with her family by her side. Virginia was born on August 10, 1941, in Northwood, Iowa to Truman and Evelyn (Dahlby) Thoen. She lived on a farm near Kensett, Iowa until age 10 and then moved to a farm near Austin for four years before moving to a farm near Blooming Prairie. Virginia attended a one-room country school from 1st through 8th grade, graduated from Blooming Prairie High School in 1959, and attended Austin Junior College. Virginia married LaVerne Kehret on December 10, 1961, in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota and were blessed with two sons, Dayton and Jon. Virginia and LaVerne farmed near Austin for 60 years. She loved helping on the farm, reading, cooking, and baking, but most of all she loved her husband and their family. Virginia was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her sons, Dayton (Shan) Kehret of Austin, MN and Jon (Laurie) Kehret of Byron, MN; seven grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Sue Kehret of Washington, Roberta Kehret of Rochester, and Carolyn Kehret of Des Moines, Iowa; 12 first cousins; many nieces and nephews; and good friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, LaVerne Kehret on May 6, 2022; brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Thoen, Elaine Thoen and Charlotte Cobeen, and Darrell Thoen; and sister, VaLois Thoen.

A funeral service for Virginia will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota. The visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Minnesota. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Olaf Lutheran Church Home Campaign or donor’s choice. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes of Austin are assisting the family with arrangements.