Lilah O. Mackenthun

Obituary

Lilah Orma Wigand Mackenthun was born on December 5, 1933, to Herman and Elsa (Bullert) Wigand, on a farm they rented near New Auburn, MN. She was the fourth and last child born into their family. Lilah was baptized on December 17th by Pastor Hans Wemer of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Her family then moved to the Young America area, where she received her early education at St. John's Lutheran School. Again, her family moved, to Mayer, MN, where she was confirmed in her faith on March 2lst,1948, at Zion Lutheran Church. Lilah attended the Watertown-Mayer High School. Her parents retired from farming and moved to Glencoe, MN in 1951, where Lilah began her working career at Glencoe Hospital.

On April 23, 1953, Lilah married Weldon Mackenthun, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Hamburg, MN. Lilah and Weldon lived their entire married life in Glencoe. They were blessed with two daughters, Debra Kay and Cynthia Louise. They loved spending time with their daughters, camping, boating, and fishing. They always took a yearly family vacation together, either to a lake resort or on traveling trips. Lilah and Weldon achieved and celebrated 52 years of marriage together. Sadly, after heart surgery, Weldon passed away in 2005.

After working at various jobs in the Glencoe area, in 1969, Lilah began employment at 3M, in Hutchinson, working there for 25 years. In their retirement, Lilah and Weldon enjoyed traveling on many bus trips around the United States, as well as going to Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe. Lilah and Weldon were both very active in the VFW and Auxiliary. They were active and involved members at First Lutheran Church, where Lilah attended regular bible studies and was a member of LWML, volunteering whenever possible.

Lilah was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed homemaking, decorating her home, cooking and baking, flower gardening, bible study, taking care of her grandchildren, dog-siting for Cindy’s Maltese, Ruby, and hosting family gatherings on holidays and special occasions. She enjoyed it when the whole family came together to share a meal in their home, seeing everyone around her dining room table, and giving thanks to God for family blessings. She was a concerned and loving sister when her eldest sibling, Evelyn, needed help with her living needs. She was a faithful friend and enjoyed spending time with her special friends, Joan Wandrei and Harriett Bergs, going shopping, and to luncheons, theater, music in the park, and other community events. She will be missed by many who loved her. Blessed be her memory.

Lilah is survived by
2 Daughters and their Husbands: Debra and Gary Polzin of New Auburn, MN, Cynthia and Gregory Ettel of Glencoe, MN;
5 Grandchildren: Rebecca (Mark) Lindemann, Reed Polzin, Rachel (Luke) Ridder, Bethany (Justin) Christensen, Brea (Stephen) Wiblemo;
7 Great-Grandchildren: Paisley and Skylar Lindemann, Madison (Michael) Stevenson, Kennedy and Hannah Christensen, Liam and Bear Wiblemo;
Sisters-in-law, Marion Wigand, Marilyn Mackenthun, and Sharon Mackenthun;
Brother-in-law, Gene Mackenthun;
Many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Lilah was preceded in death by her Parents, Herman and Elsa Wigand; Husband, Weldon Mackenthun; Brother, AllenWigand; Sisters, Evelyn Schrupp and Helen Ramlow; Brothers-in-law, Clarence Bruers, Hilton Wolter, Clement Mackenthun, Hillard Mackenthun, Harvey Mackenthun, Kenneth Mackenthun, Milton Schrupp, and Fred Ramlow; Sisters-in-law, Leona Bruers, Roma Wolter, Laverna Mackenthun, Marlys Mackenthun, Elvera Mackenthun.