Lillie E. Wilson

Lillie E. Wilson While held in the arms of her children, Lillie E. Wilson, age 95, was called home by her Lord on Wednesday morning, March 1st, 7:30 a.m. at Manor Care in Kingsford, Michigan. Throughout her last day and into the night her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren surrounded her with love. We sang to her the songs she loved - about heaven, of God’s amazing grace, and about “So great a Salvation”. Then, with deep sorrow, but a much greater joy, we witnessed in her passing, the fulfillment of Mom’s lifelong desire to see her Savior face to face. Now her service to Him among us is done. The portrait of her life here is complete, a finished work, signed in His blood, and framed by His glory. We will always treasure this masterpiece of God’s great grace. Lillie Evelyn Hansen was born in Calumet, Michigan on October 10, 1921 to Arvid and Ragnhild Hansen who were of Norwegian heritage. Lillie was the fourth of nine children, having 2 brothers and six sisters. The family moved to Kingsford where her father worked at the Ford Plant. She graduated from Kingsford High School in 1940 and met her future husband, Darwin Wilson on a blind date. On that first date, Darwin knew that Lillie was the girl he wanted to marry. “I never met a girl like her!” They were married on November 2, 1940. The couple lived in Royal Oak, Michigan a short time. In moving back to Iron Mountain, she worked at Dickinson County Hospital’s business office. After the birth of her children, she worked at Maracini’s Cabinetry, and at Hancock Wood Products. Darwin preceded her in death on September 25, 2003. Also preceding her in death were sisters Anna, Sigrid (Raymond), Randi (Schmitt), Ruth (Trask), Carole (Smart) and brothers Roy Hansen and Morris Hansen. Lillie was very active in Christian service as a Sunday School teacher and choir member. Her hobbies included crocheting, sewing, baking (especially at Christmas), but most of all she loved music. She learned to play guitar from her mother, playing and singing with her sisters. She taught her children to sing and play by ear and became their “coach” in later years as they went on to perform Christian and gospel music. She was a true student of the Bible. As long as can be remembered, she memorized and studied scripture daily. Her desire for her children was to appreciate our heritage of faith and also to know that it is far more important to be a relentless student who seeks truth in the word. Mom was a prayer “warrior” who had been asked by many people to pray for those in need. She attended the former Immanuel Baptist Church of Kingsford, and then for many years attended Lakeview Bible Church in Crystal Falls and Grace Baptist Church in Kingsford where she enjoyed their teaching and Christian fellowship. Lillie is survived by one sister, Donna (Jerry) Kriegl, and five children, Sharon (Richard) Kreider of Florence, WI, Wayne (Susan) Wilson of Spread Eagle, WI, Linda (Sheldon) Freeman of Iron Mountain, Laurie (Daniel) Miller of Iron Mountain, and Rodd (Doreen) Wilson of Woodbury, MN, Sister-in-law Florence Hansen and Brother-in-law Richard Smart. Lillie was the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren; Brian (Lisa) Kreider, Jonathan (Lourdes) Kreider, Matthew (Cindy) Kreider, Carissa (Kevin) Schmutzler, Melissa (Chris) Rebman, Christopher (Alicia) Freeman, Jason (Elesha) Freeman, Erik (Geanne) Wilson, and Jeremy Wilson (Aubree). Lillie has 25 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Special members of our family are Chris and Debbie Warne, Dr. Dev and Shashi Mahadev and their families. Thanks especially to Dr. Donald Jacobs for the special care and being available whenever he was needed. Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 11th at Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain. Memorial services will follow at 3:00 p.m.at the funeral home Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Matthew S. Kreider will officiate. Burial will be in the Quinnesec Cemetery. Condolences to the family of Lillie Wilson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the funeral arrangements.

Lillie E. Wilson

October 10, 1921 - March 1, 2017