Lillian Marie Elizabeth Heiller

Dateline: Caledonia, MN Lillian Marie Elizabeth Heiller, age 79, of Caledonia, MN passed away peacefully on Jan. 9, 2015 after a short illness. She was born July 25, 1935 in La Crosse, WI to Rudolph and Marie (Baur) Pieper. She graduated from Caledonia High School in 1953 and attended Methodist Kahler Diploma School of Nursing in Rochester, MN after graduation. Lillian married Donald Heiller on April 10, 1955, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia, MN. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia and was active in their various women's groups over the years. The couple farmed their entire life. They initially farmed on the Heiller family homestead in rural Brownsville, MN then moved to rural Caledonia in 1967. Don & Lil met at a dance, loved dancing & "old-time" music & were members of the Clayhill Dance Club of Decorah, IA, until it disbanded. In addition to farmer & homemaker, Lillian picked apples seasonally for Fruit Acres Orchard in the 60's. She assisted several local caterers & volunteered at the Houston County Fair. She was an active member of the Mayville Township Homemaker's Group & regularly met with her high school classmates & birthday group. Lillian loved life in the country surrounded by her animals to include cats, dogs, chickens & Holstein cows. She enjoyed hiking, gardening, reading, music, family get-togethers & attending her grandchildren's music & sporting events. She also enjoyed traveling, photographs & collecting postcards. She went on bus trips to many parts of the US with various friends & traveled to visit daughter Barbara. Don & Lil's "trip of a lifetime" was a month in Germany/Europe in 1985. Lillian is survived by two daughters Donise (Merle) Becker of Caledonia, and Barbara (Mark Metz) of Honolulu, HI and one son Bob (Sue) Heiller of Lakeville, MN; nine grandchildren Devin (Erin), Nathan (Allison), Avery, Cullen and Lyndon Becker; and Lindsey, Nicole, Abby and Jake Heiller, and one great-granddaughter Caroline Helen Becker. She is also survived by sisters-in-law Doris Mitchell, Betty (Joe) Serres and Irene Heiller. Lillian had no siblings but was especially close to her first cousin Bob Pieper of Baltimore, MD area. Don preceded Lillian in death on July 19, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her parents. Funeral services will be held on Wed, Jan 14th at 11:00 A.M. at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Caledonia. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery. Pastor Tom Schultz will officiate. Visitation will be on Tues, Jan 13th from 4-7 P.M. at the church and one hour prior to services on Wed, Jan 14th. Roble Funeral Home of Spring Grove is in charge of arrangements.

Lillian Marie Elizabeth Heiller

July 25, 1935 - January 9, 2015