June Jaksa passed away Sept. 3, 2008, at her home in the care and company of family.
June was born June 19, 1924, in International Falls to Lottie and Fred Emlaw.
She graduated from Falls High School and worked for Mando during World War II.
She also pursued her interest in singing and composing music. She wrote and recorded several songs and performed on local radio stations. In later years, she entertained seniors at area nursing homes.
In September of 1945, she wed Tony Jaksa.
In addition to being a wife and mother, June kept the books for the Bricklayer’s Union. She also had a long career as a legal secretary for several local attorneys and served as the secretary for the Veterans Service Officer for many years. During this time, she acquired a reputation for being a veteran’s friend, working extra hours to help veterans with disability issues.
She then became a Deputy Clerk of Court for Koochiching County. During her time as a clerk she was well known for her compassion. Former District Court Judge Peter Hemstad once remarked that June was a friend to anyone troubled.
After retiring, she remained active in Veterans issues. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary and her particular passion was establishing a local veteran’s memorial. She also served as a classroom volunteer for School District 361 where the kids affectionately referred to her as “Grandma.” June also made substantial monetary gifts to the local schools, including the purchase of new playground equipment.
During her busy and active retirement, she pursued her special love for animals by donating her time and money to Borderland Humane Society. On many occasions she personally rescued abused or abandoned animals. Her special joy was placing one of these animals. June found these placements doubly rewarding — finding a home for an unwanted animal while providing a person with a loving companion.
June was preceded in death by her husband, Tony; her parents, Fred and Lottie; as well as her brother, James Emlaw.
She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Madden; seven children — sons, Michael (Cynthia), Patrick (Julie) and Tony (Lori); daughters, Mary Kay Hardwig (Dr. Jeffrey Hardwig), Kathy Sather (Ronald), Teresa Jaksa and Carolyn Jaksa. She is also survived by grandchildren Jason and Sam Hardwig; Matthew, Steven, Tony, Hector and Michael Jaksa; and Katie and Bryan Sather; as well as two great-grandchildren, Gavin and Shae.
June would also want it mentioned that she is survived by two of her loving, adoptee pets, “Timmy” and her special friend, “Doughnut.”
A public visitation is planned for 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 8, at Green-Larsen Mortuary.
Any memorials are requested to go to Borderland Humane Society.
Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary Inc., International Falls.