Lillian M. Dickens 1920 - 2014

DICKENS, HAESE, AKESON

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/16/2014 at 12:42:51

Sioux City Journal
14 October 2014

SIOUX CITY | Lillian M. Dickens, 94, of Sioux City passed away Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, at a local hospital.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Grace United Methodist Church. Private graveside services will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 10 a.m. until service time Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. Online condolences can be directed to www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Lillian Dickens was born on an Archer, Iowa farm, on Jan. 24, 1920, to Carl V. Akeson Sr. and Olga (Haese) Akeson. She graduated from Archer Consolidated School in 1937, and earned an executive secretaries certificate from the National Business Training School in 1939. She was employed at Morningside College and the National Business Training School after graduation. Later, she was employed by the Sioux City Community School District for 24 years as a secretary for Longfellow School.

Lillian married James "Al" Dickens on Oct. 26, 1941. They spent almost 50 years together before he passed away on Aug. 19, 1991.

Lillian enjoyed crafts and playing golf. She played bridge with several, local groups. She kept her mind sharp by completing Sudoku and crossword puzzles. She listened to every broadcast of the Sioux City Explorers. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune daily, and also Lawrence Welk. A devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church since 1945, she volunteered as a church librarian for a number of years. She was an active member of the Elco Garham Study Club, and many other groups sponsored within the church.

However, it was her devotion to her family that she deeply enjoyed the most. Lillian thrived on the time she spent with her family, and consistently put family first above all. She loved them deeply, and patiently enjoyed learning what was new and meaningful to them.

She is survived by her sons, Charles (Virginia) and Robert, both of Sioux City; her daughter, Carol George of O’Fallon, Mo.; her five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, from Iowa, Missouri, South Dakota and Colorado.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Sr. and Olga; her husband, Al; her two brothers, Carl Jr. and Orval; her two sisters-in-law, Merna and Doris; and her son-in-law, Steven George.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Grace United Methodist Church