Lillian Eblen

Lillian Minnie (Heschke) Eblen was born on June 8, 1910 in Swift County, Minnesota to Gus and Emma (Sirkie) Heschke. She attended school thru the eighth grade in Clontarf, MN. Lillian was united in marriage to Elmo Ellsworth Eblen in November of 1925. They farmed in Swift County near Clontarf until 1938. The family then moved to Forada where they farmed until 1957, when Elmo passed away. Lillian was a hard worker, raising buffalo and helping with all the farm work. She owned and operated a lunch wagon that would be seen at numerous auction sales around the surrounding counties. She also owned the Lake Reno Supper Club, Clontarf Chatter Box, and had barn dances every Saturday night. In 1997, she moved back to Benson to live in Golden Living Meadow Lane Healthcare Center. Lillian was a lifetime member of the Forada Presbyterian Church until its closing and then joining the First Congregational U.C.C. in Alexandria. She loved being with her family and friends. Lillian also loved to travel and was known to get on the Greyhound Bus and travel across the country for months, stopping in and visiting family and friends. She enjoyed making handmade quilts, fishing; especially spear fishing and making anise candy for the grandchildren. Lillian died on Monday, September 1, 2008 at the Swift County Benson Hospital in Benson, MN at the age of 98 years, 2 months and 23 days. She is survived by her daughters, Vivian (Clarence) Tuttle of Alexandria, Alice (Frank) Chan of Alexandria, and Lois (John) Winkel of Benson; son, Roger (Amelia) Eblen of Ocean Spring, Mississippi; 32 grandchildren; 72 great-grandchildren; 50 great-great-grandchildren. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Emma; husband, Elmo; sons, Merl, Earl and Marvin; daughter, Ruby Brackin; and two sisters; one brother; one granddaughter; and two great-grandsons. A funeral service was held on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at the United Congregational U.C.C. in Alexandria with Reverend Scott Keehn, officiating. Soloist was Amelia Jane Eblen, and organist, Diane Alveshere. Interment was held in Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casketbearers were Dean Eblen, Rick Schuhmacher, Tom Brackin, Todd Chan, Mark Winkel, and Lloyd Eblen. Honorary casketbearers were all of Lillian?s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.