Arlene Anna Lillich

Arlene Anna Lillich, the oldest daughter of William and Helen (Wiese) Meier, was born on June 25, 1924, on the farm in Hall County, NE. Arlene passed away on July 2, 2015, just two weeks after celebrating her 91st birthday with her family. Arlene was baptized, confirmed, and married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grand Island, NE. She attended both grade school and high school in Grand Island, NE. Arlene married Melvin George Lillich on December 22, 1945. Their marriage was blessed with four children. Besides being a loving mother, Arlene taught Lutheran School alongside her husband both in St. Peter, IL, and Okawville, IL. A former student recently remembered her as "the best teacher ever." Arlene graduated from Concordia Teachers College in River Forest, IL, in 1971, at the same time as her oldest daughter and her daughter's

future husband. Arlene continued her teaching career as a public school teacher in Bourbonnais, IL, after getting her degree. Arlene was a 1st grade teacher and taught many children how to read. Arlene herself continued to be an avid reader until the last days of her life. She shared her love of reading with her students, children, and her many friends. One of Arlene's greatest joys was spending time with her family. She dearly loved all her family and they loved her. Arlene was always active in her church and was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church in Deshler, NE, for her final years. Her faith and her willingness to share it with others guided her life. Arlene moved back to NE after retiring. She and her husband bought a small acreage outside of Deshler, NE, where Arlene loved being outside and enjoying the yard and garden, especially from the gazebo. In the winter Arlene and her husband traveled and lived at Woodlands Lutheran Camp in Montverde, FL, for 20 years. Arlene called these their "golden years." Arlene received the Lifetime Service Award from Concordia University in Seward, NE, in 2010, for "making a tremendous mark in the areas of education and servant leadership." She also received the Sower Award from Concordia. Arlene's final three years were at Courtyard Terrace in Hebron, NE. She had many wonderful friends there and considered them her family. Arlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 67 years; one brother, Don Meier; two sisters, Ruth Foth and Delores Oswald; brothers and sisters in laws Everett Lillich; Kenneth and Lorna Lillich; Ines and Eddie Buntemeyer; Lyle Foth; Irma Meyer; and Joyce Meier. Arlene is survived by her brother Reuben Meier of Grand Island, NE; her brother-in-law Dave Oswald of Aurora, NE; and her sister-in-law Evalin Lillich of Hebron, NE; her children and their spouses Dr. David Lillich and Mary Ann of Whitefish Bay, WI; Pat and Steve Madsen of Richland Center, WI, Becky and Brian Roderick of Taylor Ridge, IL, and Ron and Monica Lillich of Venice, FL. She is also survived by 12 very loved grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. A graveside service was held at Deshler City Cemetery on Saturday afternoon, July 4th. Memorials can be made to Lutheran Hour Ministries. Price Funeral Homes of Deshler, Davenport and Hebron assisted the Lillich family.



Family Graveside service and inurnment

Cremation -No Viewing - No Visitation