Lill, Leona M. 1924-2009

LILL, HINTZ, ACKELBEIN

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 8/4/2009 at 11:47:57

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, August 4, 2009

Leona M. Lill, 84, of Le Mars, died Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Leona Matilda Lill was born Nov. 29, 1924, on the family farm near Charter Oak, the daughter of Henry and Augusta (Hintz) Ackelbein. She was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Hanover Township, Charter Oak. She attended country school near their home.

She was united in marriage to Norman Lill April 23, 1947, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church parsonage, Hanover Township, Charter Oak. They lived on a farm near Mapleton for several years. In 1971, they moved to a farm near Le Mars. Along with helping her husband on the farm, Leona worked for various businesses, including Zenith in Sioux City and Harker's in Le Mars until retiring. Norman died Jan. 2, 1997. Leona continued to live on the farm until she became a resident at Plymouth Manor four years ago.

She was a member of St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, rural Akron, for many years. She enjoyed gardening and visiting with friends and family.

But most of all, she loved the time spent with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her three children: Lois Cooper of Corinth, Miss., Ronnie Lill and his wife Ann of Le Mars, and Steve Lill of Le Mars; five grandchildren: Charlie Cooper and his wife Kathy and their daughter, Courtney of Parker, Colo., Alan Cooper of Corinth, Miss., Brian Lill and his special friend, Melissa Brueck of Le Mars, Leanne Lill of Le Mars, and Jimmy Lill of Storm Lake; a sister: Dorothy Jepsen of Charter Oak; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Norman; two sisters: Emra Trulsen and Viola Kunze; two brothers: Herbert Ackelbein and Duane Ackelbein; and a nephew: Ronald Trulsen in infancy.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Thursday at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Preston Township, rural Akron. The Rev. Sarah Nye will officiate. Inurnment will be at a later date in the church cemetery. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. Wednesday with the family present after 6 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., all at Carlsen Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the services on Thursday at the church.