Emma E. (Valesh) Kokes, 99, of Veseli passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague.  Born on Friday, February 20, 1914, in Veseli, she was the daughter of Joseph A. Valesh and Marie M. Shimota.  Emma grew up in her parent’s grocery store in Veseli with five siblings, Ernest J. Valesh, Henrietta A. (Valesh) Sticha, Marian I. Valesh, Joseph G. Valesh, and Angela B. (Valesh) Kokes.  Emma attended the Most Holy Trinity Catholic grade school in Veseli and Hopkins High School.  Emma married Joseph Vaclav Kokes on November 17, 1938 in Veseli.  The couple raised three children on their 120-acre dairy farm just south of Veseli.  Emma was a good mother, who enjoyed tending her large flowerbeds, playing bingo, and socializing with friends and family.  She was active with Most Holy Trinity Altar Society, very proud of her Czech heritage, and above all, loved the very special community of Veseli, MN.

Emma is survived by three children, Joann M. Hanson of Maple Grove, Warren J. Kokes and his wife Suzanne M. Kienietz of Bloomington, and Norman L. Kokes and his wife, Monica A. (Pomije) of New Prague; seven grandchildren, Christian R. Hanson and his wife, Nancy E. Pohl, Tyler J. Hanson, Martin D. Kokes and his wife, Evelyn Mei Lin (Khoo), Kevin M. Kokes and his wife Jessica F. (Anderson), Ellen M. Kokes, and Lana M. Kokes; five great-grandchildren, Dinal S. Hanson, Mylo M. Kokes, Victor O. Kokes, Oscar R. Kokes, and Gavin Kokes.  She is preceded in death by all her siblings.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, November 30, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli with Father John Lapensky officiating.  Visitation will occur Saturday morning from 9:00 – 10:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.  Burial will follow mass at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Veseli.  Lunch will follow at the Legion Clubroom in New Prague.