Lillian Carolyn Lustila

LILLIAN C. LUSTILA March 31, 1933 – April 3, 2018    Lillian Carolyn Lustila, age 85, a lifelong Menahga, MN area resident, peacefully passed into the loving arms of her Savior on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota with her loved ones at her side.    Lillian was born on March 31, 1933 in Menahga to Matt and Lydia (Leinonen) Haverinen. She attended the District #28 South Country School through the eighth grade and then went on to attend the Menahga High School from where she graduated with the Class of 1951. She was united in marriage to Roger Lustila on March 14, 1953. They were blessed with eight children: Steven, Dorothy, Michael, Russell, Sharon, Douglas, Daniel and Patrick. Lillian devoted herself to making a warm and loving home for her husband and children. She was a wonderful cook and baker who will be long remembered by her family for her delicious home cooked meals. She preserved many fresh vegetables and fruits out of the garden for the needs of her growing family. She would often work late into the night sewing clothes for her family. Lillian loved being outdoors working in her gardens raising beautiful flowers into colorful splendor for all to see and enjoy In addition to making their home in Menahga, the Lustila’s also lived in Eveleth, MN, Minneapolis and Philipsburg, MT. Tragedy struck her family with the death of her oldest son, Steven in 1968. She again faced heartbreak at the untimely death of her husband Roger who died in 1972 leaving her to raise their remaining 7 children ranging in age from 4 to 15. Lillian courageously raised her children without government handouts by working as a nursing assistant, doing factory work, cleaning for area families and babysitting. She faced tragedy again with the death of two more sons: Patrick and Douglas. Lillian was strengthened by her strong faith, her family and her friends. She had attended the Runeberg Apostolic Lutheran Church for many years. Lillian treasured the times she could spend with her family and loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all her heart.    She will be lovingly remembered by her five remaining children: Dorothy Anderson of Wisconsin, Michael Lustila of Menahga, Russell Lustila of Sebeka, Sharon (Dante) Kerby of Menahga and Dan (Rachael) Lustila of Dent, MN; 17 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; three sisters: Elsie Salmonen, Helen Koskela, and Elaine Skoog all of Menahga and her brother, Douglas (Marianne) Haverinen of Sebeka; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.    Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Roger; three sons, Steven, Patrick and Douglas; two sisters: Dorothy and Edna and two brothers: Art and Leonard.    Funeral services will be held 11 AM Saturday, April 7, 2018 at the First English Lutheran Church in Menahga with the Pastor Lowell Skoog officiating and grandson, Shane Anderson, giving the eulogy. Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Interment will be made in the Hay Creek Cemetery west of Sebeka, MN. Lillian’s casket bearers will be her grandchildren: Joshua Lustila, Joseph Lustila, Jeremy Lustila, Steven Lustila, Edward Lustila, Isaac Lustila, Shane Anderson and Jonathan Staebler. Lillian’s honorary casket bearers will be Erin Lustila, Chelsea Lustila, Jasmine Leritz, Kyla Olthoff, Theresa Burkee, Jessica Buelow, Christina (Lustila) Murphy, William Lustila, Amanda Hollihan, Megan Lustila and Rachel Lustila.             To view the video tribute and to leave on line condolences please visit www.cardinipearson.com