Jane Hurley
Jane Marie Hurley, 74, died peacefully on February 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Mo. Jane was born on March 21, 1951, in Worthington, Minn., to Gerald and Catherine Hurley. She graduated from Worthington High School in 1969 and then from Mankato State in 1973 with a degree in education. After college, Jane dedicated four decades to teaching in the Sleepy Eye (Minn.) Public School District where she had a great impact on the lives of her students while teaching elementary and special education classes. She was honored as Teacher of the Year in the district for the 2007-2008 school year. Jane was a dedicated member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Sleepy Eye and enjoyed continuing to participate in their online Bible study after moving to the Kansas City area. Jane’s family and friends from all stages of her life brought her such joy. She enjoyed many kinds of handwork crafts, including quilting, knitting, embroidery, and crocheting. Her family, friends, and neighbors were often gifted with dishcloths and dishtowels. She was also the Hurley Family Historian, a role she cherished as well as keeper of many delicious recipes, including her infamous chocolate chip bars which always made an appearance at all family gatherings. She also loved playing a variety of games with her family and friends. Newfound hobbies included pickleball and crafting homemade cards. She was a treasured friend to so many.
Jane is survived by her siblings Mary (Dwayne) Hochhalter of Kansas City, Mo., Carlo (Shirley) Hurley of Worthington, Minn., and Ed Hurley of Wayzata, Minn.; her nieces Susan (Doug) Wager, Gretchen (Dave) Keeney, Stephanie (Ben) Krohn, Angela (Mark) Nel, Jenna Hurley; her nephew Justin (Jenna) Hurley; and ten great-nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Gerald and Catherine Hurley, and her sister-in-law Connie Hurley.
Memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m. at Benson Funeral Home in Worthington, Minn. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sleepy Eye Education Foundation (https://www.sleepyeyeedfoundation.org or mail to: 400 4th Ave. SW, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085)
