Eva R. (Ward-Lamke) Kuchera, 86, of Aitkin, died Friday, May 11, 2007, at Aicota Health Care Center, Aitkin.

She was born July 31, 1920, in Aitkin County to Ben G. and Grace (Allen) Ward. In August of 1960, in South Dakota, Eva was united in marriage to Charles Kuchera.

Survivors include her children: Nancy (Bennie) Bolton of South Sioux City, Neb., Larry Lamke of Hibbing, Gary (Danielle) Lamke of Palisade, Harold (Deanne) Kuchera of Hayward, Charlotte (Duane) Nelson of Albert Lea, Art (Sue) Kuchera of Austin; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren; two sisters: Erma (Carl) Wey of Camas, Wash., and Ruth Rush of Ionia, Mich.; one brother, Grant Ward of Green Mountain, N.C.; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband on May 30, 2000, a daughter Judy Melby; seven brothers and sisters, and her parents.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, Albert Lea. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Sorenson-Root-Thompson Funeral Home, Aitkin, and will continue from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, Albert Lea, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday.