Ila Jean Possail was born on May 20, 1936 to Fred and Christine (Krog) Knutson in Lake Benton Township, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at Diamond Lake Lutheran Church in Lake Benton and later taught the Sunday school youth group. Ila graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1954, and began her working career at the bank in Lake Benton. Ila was united in marriage to Elmer H. Possail on January 3, 1956, after Elmer returned from his service in the military. They made their home in Arco, Minnesota where they fulfilled their dream to live on their farm. To this union, five children were born. They were members of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Island Lake Township, Minnesota and Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tyler, Minnesota. Ila was very active in her congregation as organist for 36 years, taught Sunday School, served as a Ladies’ Aid member, and helped with the Treasure Box Preschool. She was Treasurer for MLC Ladies Auxiliary in New Ulm, Minnesota and volunteered with the American Cancer Society for 30 years. The family was active in 4-H and Ila judged for many years. She was also a member of the Lincoln County Fair Board. Her joys in life were her family, crafts, and crocheting. Ila and Elmer enjoyed traveling the 50 states and some of Canada. Elmer preceded Ila in death on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Ila became a resident of Heritage Pointe Senior Living in Marshall, Minnesota where she died peacefully on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the age of 85 years, four months, and 27 days.
Ila will be remembered by her children, Deanna (Clair) Drake of Tyler, Roxane (Andy) Weber of Elkton, South Dakota, Doug (Janel) Possail of Arco, and Duane (Jeanna) Possail of Tyler; 13 grandchildren, Darice (Jason) Nielsen, Chad (Renae) Drake, Daynica (Patrick) Brown, Cade (Amanda) Drake, Lindsey (Adam) Steffes, Sidney Beck, Lance (Kaitlyn) Weber, Andrew (Tracy) Neville, Justine (Josh) Beier, Bailey (Aaron) Bunger, Taylor (Nicole) Possail, Jade (Brett) Delaney, and Shayna (Brett) Vercruysse; 25 great-grandchildren, Ramsey, Jerad, Kennedy, Reese, Kellen, Kai, Jens, Juhl, Svea, Xander, Nash, Tate, Colt, Mavryck, Rhett, Jace, Callen, Brielle, Domonic, Ali, Carson, Beckett, Sadie, Lincoln, and Knox; brother, Keith (Diane) Knutson of Mesa, Arizona; Aunt Norma Krammer of St. Paul, Minnesota; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; son, Kendall; parents, Fred and Christine; and siblings, Maynard, Anita, Bud, and Leon.
