Fay Ellen (Whaley) Minke age 79 of Hudson, formerly of Hammond died peacefully on Sunday October 9th at her residence. Fay was born on August 20, 1932 in South St. Paul, Minnesota; the daughter of Louis Whaley and Olivia “Mable” Carlson. She was raised in St. Paul where she attended Washburn High School. On June 7, 1952 she was united in marriage to Ernie Minke in Wyoming, Minnesota. This union would be further blessed with seven children. Earlier in life, she worked as a medical ward clerk for Ramsey Medical Center in St. Paul, however, many people remember Fay and Ernie as they owned and operated the Hammond Hotel for several years. She loved music and old time dancing such as polkas and waltzes. She also enjoyed cross stitch, cribbage, cooking and baking banana bread for everyone.  Fay’s family was the love of her life.  Whether eating out at LaBon’s Truckstop or watching them try to bowl, she loved every minute of it. Moreover, she never missed their birthdays.

She will remain in the hearts of her husband of nearly 60 years Ernie; children Mary Ellen (Steve), Kenneth “Putski”, Chuck (Julie), Bud, Deb, Rose, and Jojo; grandchildren Matt, Carrie, Tony, Billie Jo, Jaime (Josh), Joe (Maggie), Dan, Jenny, Bri and Aric; twelve great grandchildren; siblings Butch, Nancy, Carol, Randy, and LuLu; brother-in-laws Floyd and Don; sister-in-laws Marlene, Marion, and Nancy; and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, and siblings Barb, Edie, Lawrence, and David.

A Celebration of Life for Fay Minke will be on Friday from 4 to 8Pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson. Interment will be private. Memorials are preferred. www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com