Lillian Dewitte

LILLIAN EMMA DEWITTE was born on October 22, 1912 to Fred and Mary (Steffensen) Hansen in Eden Township, Pipestone County, Minnesota. She was raised on a farm northwest of Jasper. Lillian was baptized in 1912 and confirmed in 1927 in Jasper. She received her education at country school and Jasper High School. In 1932, Lillian was united in marriage to Florian DeWitte at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper. They made their home just southeast of the county line near Jasper where they were blessed with three children. They farmed for many years until May 13, 1964, when Florian was killed in a tractor accident. In January of 1965, Lillian had a farm sale and moved into Pipestone. Lillian had several jobs including, Lange’s Manufacturing where she sewed boat cover seats until it burned down, then working with Dale Buttman and then for Bob Longstreet at the Toggery Cleaners until her retirement in late 1989. After her retirement, she continued to sew at home for several people and also helped at Scotty’s Upholstery. She remained in her home until June of 2008 when she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Communities of Pipestone. She died there on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at the age of 103 years, two months and 25 days.

Lillian was a member of the Peace United Methodist Church in Pipestone where she belonged to circle, was a Sunday school teacher, a greeter and would help set-up for communion. In her younger years, she was active in Rebekahs for many years. Lillian enjoyed traveling with the Senior Citizen’s group, playing cards, sewing, embroidery and crocheting. She also belonged to the country club and took many Home Extension Lessons.

Lillian is lovingly remembered by her children: Rosalie (Gordy Huebner) Shubert of Pipestone and Lawrence (Joan) DeWitte of Pipestone; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one step-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her son, Jerold DeWitte; her parents; and her brothers and sisters.