Lilas Widmark, age 95, of Hendricks, MN passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the Hendricks Nursing Home. Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ivanhoe, MN. Visitation will be Tuesday prior to the service at the church with Rosary at 9:15 a.m. and visitation from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Ivanhoe, MN. Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel of Hendricks, MN is entrusted with the arrangements.
Lilas Vernetta Widmark was born on May 13, 1928, in Drammen Township to Edward and Jennie (Hanson) Grubich. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church in Lake Benton. Lilas grew up on the family farm and attended District 53 country school. She graduated from Lake Benton High School in 1946. Upon completion of Normal Teachers Training in Canby, MN, Lilas taught school in one-room Lincoln County rural schools. On June 15, 1950, Lilas and Manley Widmark were united in marriage at the Catholic parsonage in Lake Benton. Their union was blessed with five children: Wendy, Connie, Michael, Marc and Murray. Manley passed away on January 15, 2004. The couple were married 53 years. Lilas continued to live in her home where she and Manley lived prior to moving into the Hendricks Nursing Home in 2017, where on November 18, 2023, she passed away peacefully at the age of 95. Lilas was a member of Ss. Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church. As a couple, Manley and Lilas enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and entertaining. Mom’s greatest joy was her family. She was an extremely hard worker whether it was sewing, gardening, canning, cooking, or raising capons. In 1975, Lilas and Manley opened ‘The Loft’, an upholstery business in their home. They enjoyed every project and their customers became friends.
Lilas is lovingly remembered by her children: Wendy (Clyde) Rost, Ivanhoe, MN and their children: Corey (Amber), Jeremy (Lynn) and Jacie (Adam) Ferrie; Connie (Archie) Citterman, Ivanhoe, MN and their children: Nathaniel, and Morgan Citterman , and daughter-in-law, Ann Widmark, Brookings, SD and her children: McCoy Widmark and Michelle (Mike) Gunderson, Marc (Patrice) Widmark, Ivanhoe, MN and their children: Tony, Cassie Carlson, and Destiny (Dan) Harp, and Murray Widmark, Hendricks, MN; great-grandchildren: Shayla and Raena Rost, Jeren, Claire, Ava and Brynn Rost, Taylor, Owen and Lennon Ferrie, Jaylin and Rogan Carlson, and sister, Ione Knapp of Alexandria, VA, and sister-in-law, Muriel Dorn of Hendricks, MN and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Lilas was preceded in death by her husband, Manley; son, Michael; her parents, Manley’s parents; sister, Marion Bressler; cousin, Angeline Popma; and brothers-in-law: Carroll Bressler, Richard J. Knapp, Jr, Alden Dorn, Merrill Widmark and sister-in-law, Marlene Widmark.
Dad has punched your dance card in Heaven Mom. You are back together into each other’s arms and dancing together throughout eternity.
