Ilene Harlicker

Ilene Joyce Harlicker, age 81, of Perham, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at Perham Health, surrounded by her three children—Ryan, Lee, and Denise.

Ilene was born February 23, 1944, in Levis, WI, the daughter of Joseph and Mildred (Honzik) Holub. At a young age, she moved to the Twin Cities, where she met her husband, Jerry, on a blind date. He became her true love, and they were married on May 7, 1966. Nine years and three children later, the family relocated to Montevideo, MN.

Ilene worked at Luther Haven before opening a daycare in her home, where she lovingly cared for and helped raise many children over the years. In 2002, following Jerry’s retirement, they moved to Perham to enjoy lake life and began a ragdoll cattery, reflecting Ilene’s lifelong love of animals. After Jerry’s passing in 2010, Ilene devoted herself to animal rescue, founding Caring Hearts Rescue. Through this work, she spent countless hours connecting families with cats and dogs in need of homes.

Together, Ilene and Jerry were blessed with three children and ten grandchildren. She was deeply involved in their lives, always giving generously of her time and talents. Family gatherings brought her great joy, especially the chance to spend time with her beloved grandchildren. Ilene and Jerry also cherished their RV trips, escaping Minnesota winters to visit their son Lee and his family in Texas. After Jerry’s passing, Ilene continued her RV adventures, with her eldest son Ryan taking over the driving duties.

Ilene was active in her community, volunteering during election seasons and always eager to lend a hand. She also enjoyed garage sales and selling at the Ottertail Market, where she loved visiting with the many customers who came through.

She is survived by her children: Ryan (Michele) Harlicker of Otsego, MN; Lee (Belinda) Harlicker of Austin, TX; and Denise (Randy) Hadrath of Kasson, MN; ten grandchildren: Matthew, Christopher, Alexander, and Nathan Harlicker; Allison, Andrew, and Ashley Harlicker; and Daniel, Marcus, and Landon Hadrath; her brother Leonard (Judith) Holub; and her sister Shirley Aldrich.

Ilene was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mildred Holub; her beloved husband Jerry; sisters Delores Peters, Ellen Jahn, Barbra Jones, Lorretta Holub, and Kathleen (Kathy) Holub; and her brother Ron Holub.

Gathering of Family & Friends will be 2:00-5:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service at 4:00 on Sunday, November 16 at Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service in Perham.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Babinski Foundation in Pequot Lakes, MN. https://donorbox.org/in-loving-memory-of-ilene-harlicker

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com