How Old Is The Oldest Living Minnesotan?

Jeanne Calment was 122-years and 164-days old when she finally passed away in France. Calment is the only person in history verified as living past 120-years old. She outlived her daughter and her grandson.

That nugget popped up on my Facebook newsfeed today and instantly made me wonder about the oldest Minnesotan in history. I did some digging and found out about an incredible woman from New Ulm and the woman that currently holds the "oldest living" title.

The Oldest Minnesotan Ever?

Erna Zahn died earlier this year on August 9th, 2022.

Get our free mobile app

Her obituary explains at the time of her death "she was the oldest Minnesotan, the 3rd oldest American, and the 8th oldest person in the world."

A few years ago, The Marshall Independent caught up with Zahn to ask what her secret was. She responded with two easy tips:

“Say your prayers. Don’t skip meals." 

Erna's favorite foods were bananas and dark chocolate.

Zahn lived at Oak Hills Living Center. The staff there put together the video below for Erna's 2020 birthday that was canceled because of the pandemic.

Erna was born in 1908. She lived through two pandemics, two World Wars, civil rights and gender equality movements, the advent of TV and internet, and so many other historical events.

She was 114-years-old at the time of her death.

How Old Is The Oldest Living Minnesotan Now?

Lillian Moran is currently the oldest living Minnesotan.

Not a lot is known about Lillian, but I did find out that she was born in Grand Forks, ND and currently lives in Moorhead, MN.

She is 111-years and 214-days-old.