Lillian Kahnke

Lillian Kahnke passed away at Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples on Sunday, January 28, 2018, at the age of 103. Mass of Christian Burial for Lillian will be at 10:30AM Friday, February 2, 2018 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples, with Father Arlie Sowada officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery near Little Falls, MN.

Lillian was born June 25, 1914 in Fulda, MN to Fred and Rose Stancer. During her early years, her parents farmed in many rented places in Eastern South Dakota and Southwest Minnesota. She got an 8th grade education. Later, Lillian went to Beauty School in St. Paul, MN and worked in a beauty salon. Lillian was united in marriage to Carl Jerome Kahnke on September 16, 1941 in Redwood Falls, MN. He then served in World War II and she became an avid life long member of the Ladies Auxiliary. Lillian worked in a bakery and a Dime Store during that time. After the war, they moved to Ogema, MN and raised four girls while Lillian settled down to being a farm wife for 26 years. They then moved to Hector, MN for 33 years to help her aging parents. Carl died when they were both 86 and when she was 93, she knew she needed to be by family. Lillian has lived in Staples, MN for 10 years.

Lillian is survived by her daughters, Rose Mary (Mike) Blessing of Staples, MN, Clara (Jerry) Zeller of Clara City, MN, Mary (Brad) Karg of Glencoe, MN, Susan (Bob) Baker of Ogema, MN; seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and one step-granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Carl; three infant grandchildren; two infant great grandchildren; and two brothers. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples, MN.