Earl J. Huneke

 EARL JAMES HUNEKE, age 87 of Burnsville, formerly of Waseca, died on Wednesday, November 30, 2016 at the New Harmony Care Center in St. Paul.

Born at his father’s creamery in Summit Township, Steele County on May 2, 1929, Earl was the son of Alfred and Dorothy (LaVann) Huneke.  Earl attended school in Owatonna and St. Peter.  Following his graduation he met his future wife, Beverly Haack at the Newman Photography Studio in Rochester.  After their marriage the two of them relocated to Waseca where they made their home together.  Earl and Beverly owned and operated Huneke Photography Studio in Waseca for many years.  It was also during that time that the family owned a resort and remote outpost island in Kenora, Ontario.  Earl served in the Army National Guard for 25 years, achieving the rank of First Sergeant.  He went on to own and operate the Cheese House restaurant in Waseca for a couple of years before he relocated to Florida where he lived for much of his life.  During his years in Florida, Earl owned and operated a commercial fishing operation.  When the physical rigors of fishing became more than he cared to bear, Earl worked as a realtor for Century 21 Real Estate in Florida until his permanent retirement. 

During his retired years Earl continued to enjoy photography and fishing, but he also traveled extensively in his association with Rotary International.  Earl was very proud of his lifelong membership with Rotary, and made it a priority to never miss a meeting regardless of where in the world he happened to be.  He also enjoyed working with Habitat for Humanity.  He was a past member of the American Legion and was a devout Catholic and servant of the Lord.  His family attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Waseca, and St. John’s Catholic Church in Savage.

He is survived by his former wife, Beverly of Burnsville; and two children, Holly (Greg) Moskwa of Burnsville, and Michael Huneke of Rochester.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; and one sister, Elfrieda Olson.

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