Viola Illies

Viola T. Illies, age 80 of Elrosa, died Monday, October 27, 2008, at the Belgrade Nursing Home in Belgrade, Minnesota.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 1, at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa. Rev. Jeff Ethen will officiate with interment following in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Sauk Centre and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Parish prayers will be at 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Viola Theresa Illies was born on March 2, 1928, in Lake Henry Township to John and Gertrude (Hopfer) Jaeger. On October 24, 1950, she married Donald A. Illies in Lake Henry. Together they farmed north of Elrosa throughout their marriage. Viola tended to her home and children. She was a talented seamstress, making clothes for her and her family. She was known for her baking and canning. She had perfected many recipes for bars, cookies and cakes. On the rare occasion that something didn't turn out, whether it was sewing or baking, she knew just what needed to be fixed. Along with baking, Viola enjoyed bringing in vegetables from her garden and canning them for year-long enjoyment. Outside of the farm, she and Donald enjoyed "old-time" dancing. Their favorite dance band was Elmer Scheid. Viola was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Elrosa.

Viola is survived by her three children, Bonnie Illies of Minneapolis, Mary (Dick Schaetzel) Illies of Woodinville, Washington, and John (Marie) Illies of Elrosa; five grandchildren, Carrie, Nicole, Kristy, David and Daniel; sister, Rosie Bertram of Spring Hill.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband Donald Illies on February 21, 1982; parents; brother Gerald Jaeger.

Serving as casket bearers will be David Illies, Daniel Illies, Gary Illies, Ruben Bertram, Robert Bertram, and Tom Beste. Honorary bearers will be Verena Uphus, Gerald and Donna Parks, Donna Illies, Marcia Bayer, Mary Emslander, Alice Peterson, Adeline Schwab, and Harry and Carol Zenzen. Cross bearer will be Kristy Illies and scripture bearer will be Carrie Illies.