Delphine Lillejord

On December 15th, 2018, Delphine Lillejord passed away peacefully at Lake Region Hospital in Fergus Falls, Minnesota with several of her family members by her side.

Delphine Marie Lillejord (Collison) was born on November 30, 1923 at her home in Poplar, Minnesota to parents Elmer and Cora (Dague) Collison. Del graduated from Staples High School with the class of 1941. She married Russ Harris in 1944, Russ was killed in action during World War II shortly after their marriage.   On December 28, 1948, Del was united in marriage with Howard Milton Lillejord at Grace Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Their marriage was blessed with two children, Terry (Oscarson) and Gregg Lillejord.

Del will tell you her first job was correcting papers for Miss Lanfair at Staples High School. She became a parts runner after completing high school and felt most proud of her effort in helping to win the war. After the war she became a stewardess for Northwest Airlines. She continued her work experience at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) as a secretary only to learn how to play bridge over her noon hour. She later became a New Neighbors League Lady for the Minneapolis suburbs. She worked as an accountant for S & L Department Stores.  When their life moved them to Columbus, Ohio she worked for Schwan Rubber as an accountant. As life took yet another turn, Howard and Del decided to purchase Journey’s End a resort in Walker, Minnesota. This experience led to a most exciting adventure for Howard and Del. They worked side by side the remainder of their working years at Dunrovin Lodge in Baldwin, Michigan managing Whirlpool’s Corporate Lodge.

Del’s life centered around spending time with family and friends. Some of her favorite activities included; playing bridge, dancing, reading, fishing, cooking, entertaining, water aerobics, shopping and sun time on the beach. In her free-time she enjoyed bible study, the old neighborhood poker group (AKA the birthday club) and was the Girl Scout Leader for Troop 1613. She also enjoyed all the activities at Willow Creek.

Del had made her home at Willow Creek in Henning, Minnesota for the past six months. She was most happy with her new surroundings and daily life. She was looking forward to spending the upcoming winter in Fort Myers Beach, Florida where she has wintered over the past 30 years.

Del was survived by; Daughter Terry (Neal) Oscarson their children: Mark Oscarson (Sara), Lindsey (Chris) Clark and their daughters Tally and Valerie; Son Gregg Lillejord his children: Eric (Jessie) Lillejord and their daughters Avery and Reagan; Cyri (Eric) Van Hecke and son Victor; Tyra Lillejord; her siblings: Agnes (Melvin) Zubrod, Marian Schroder, Virgil Collison, Ronald (Judy) Collison, Bob (Nancy) Collison, Russ Collison, Larry (Jessica) Collison and a host of nieces, nephews and many dear friends.   Preceding Del in death were her parents, Elmer and Cora Collison; her first husband Russ Harris; and her husband Howard Lillejord; brothers John and Earl Collison and her very dear friend and sister-in-law Elaine Hansen.

She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

Thank you for your expressions of love, comfort, and caring.  It is our prayer that mom’s love for the Lord will encourage each of you to trust and love Jesus more. 

~The family of Delphine Lillejord

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