Eileen L. Exley

Eileen L. Exley, age 91, of Hastings, died Saturday, July 25, 2015 at White Pine Senior Living, Cottage Grove. Eileen Lois, the daughter of Clarence and Catherine (Adams) Lodahl, was born on November 19, 1923 in Des Moines, Iowa. She attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Education. On May 15, 1948, Eileen was united in marriage to John B. Exley in St. Paul. They were blessed with four children, Joni, Christine, Greg and Jeff. John later preceded her in death on December 23, 2010. Eileen was a longtime educator, first as a kindergarten teacher at St. Therese Parish in St. Paul and later Guardian Angels in Hastings as a teacher and librarian. She enjoyed bird watching, knitting, children and dogs. Eileen also loved going for rides and visiting different landmarks along the way. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Jerry Lodahl and Delores Bennet; and by her husband, John. Eileen is survived by her children, Joni (Dick) Zimmerman of Stillwater, Christine Exley of Des Moines, WA, Greg Exley and Jeff Exley, both of Hastings; her siblings, Kathleen Glewwe of White Bear Lake and Mary Clare Lodahl of Mexico; her nieces nephews, Molly Glewwe (Chris Morrissette) and children, Laine Forrest, Debbie Henry (Phil), Diane (Dennis) Schuh , Dan (Michelle) Lodahl, Maria (Bill) Poss, Michael (Wendy) Lodahl, Jeanne (Kurt) Miller, David (Alissa) Lodahl, and David Bennett; also many other relatives and friends. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Caturia-Smidt Funeral Home Cremation Services, 201 E. Seventh St., Hastings, with Deacon Michael Daly officiating. A memorial gathering will be held for one hour prior to the service on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Animal Ark in Hastings or to the donors choice in memory of Eileen.