Arthur L. Lilga

Arthur L. Lilga, 85 year old resident of Mankato, MN formerly of Little Falls, MN passed away Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Keystone Senior Living in Mankato, MN. Funeral Service will be at 10 AM on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Little Falls, with Pastor Jean Megorden officiating. Burial will be at Darling Cemetery northwest of Little Falls. Visitation will be from 4 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, October 7th at the Shelley Funeral Chapel in Little Falls, and from 9 AM to 10 AM Thursday at the church. Military Rites will be provided by Little Falls American Legion Post #46. Arthur Leonard Lilga was born on July 17, 1930 in Parker Township, MN to the late Albert and Florence (Pantzke) Lilga. He attended the local country school in Parker Township and graduated from Little Falls High School in 1948. After graduating, Arthur worked as a ranch hand in Scobey, MT. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army in 1953, serving in Germany until his honorable discharge in 1955. Arthur was united in marriage to Donna Mae Tompkins on August 21, 1955 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Parker Township. The couple settled in Little Falls where they raised their family. Arthur worked as a heavy equipment operator doing road and bridge construction until he retired in 1992. The previous year, Arthur had lost his beloved wife, Donna to cancer. Following retirement, he enjoyed time spent at his cabin on Fish Trap Lake, fishing, hunting, and woodworking. Arthur was known as a rock hound and collected many agates. He always looked forward to visits and spending time with his family. In 1996, Arthur sold his house in Little Falls and moved to Mankato, MN to live with his significant other, Dorothy Hansen. His final days were spent at Keystone Senior Living of Mankato. Arthur is survived by his children, Cindy (Jeff) Thom of North Mankato, MN, Sandy (Gary) Vosen of Lino Lakes, MN, Randy (Paula) Lilga of Clearwater, MN, Rodney (Lola) Lilga of Little Falls, Maureen Miller of Little Falls, and Janet (Kent) Kvislen of North Mankato; his significant other, Dorothy Hansen of Mankato; grandchildren, Sarah Vosen, Kirsten (Brad) Grayson, Seth (Jenna) Lien, Krystal Lilga, Bobbi Lilga, Luke Lien, Alyssa Kvislen, Joseph Thom, Kory (Laurin Hucks) Lilga, Andrew Thom, Zachary Miller, and Jake Kvislen; great grandchildren, Katara, Kaden, Colton, Cambria, Violet, and Sophia; brother, Alton (Elaine) Lilga of Apple Valley, MN; sister, Luella Norberg of Cokato, MN; other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Donna.

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Arthur L. Lilga

July 17, 1930 - October 3, 2015