Funeral service for Sotero Hernandez of Albert Lea will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23, 2002 at St. Theodore Catholic Church, Albert Lea. Rev. Robert Schneider will officiate. Interment will be at St. Theodore Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Today with a prayer service at 5:30 p.m. at Bonnerup Funeral Service and one hour before at the church.

Sotero Hernandez, age 91, of Albert Lea passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2002 at Thornecrest South Nursing Home.

He was born April 22, 1911 in Brownsville, Texas. He was united in marriage to Florence Martinez on Oct.14, 1938.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Florence Hernandez; five sons and their children: Patrick and his children, Janie, Patricia, Delores, Corina, Phyllis, Linda, Adolph; Alvin Sr. and his children: Alvin Jr., Carmelita, Sergio; Raymond Sr. and his children: Elizabeth, Raymond Jr., Jessica, Monica, Jeffery; Herman and his children: David, Angela; Robert and his children: Natasha, Christopher; Two daughters: Mary Lou Potter and her children: April, Louanne Danette; Roselie Peterson and husband, Richard and their children: Anthony, Michael all of Albert Lea; also survived by 40 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren; sister: Ramona Reyes; half brother: Louie (Shorty) Hernandez; half sisters: Modesta Hernandez, Florentina Hernandez.

He especially enjoyed gardening, taking care of his yard and loved spending lots of time outside. He enjoyed talking to everyone.

Sotero was preceded in death by his mother and father; brothers and sisters; one son, one daughter, one grandson, one great-great-granddaughter.

He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.