Dean V. Lillion, age 89, of Isanti, died May 14, 2017 at his home. Memorial services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, June 10 at Strike Funeral Home-Isanti Chapel. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the service.
Dean Victor Lillion was born on May 2, 1928 to Joseph and Hulda (Palmquist) Lillion. Five days after his birth, Hulda passed away in the Superior, Wisconsin hospital of influenza and pneumonia. As father, Joseph, had his hands full with seven other children, plus a farm to run, it was necessary to find a temporary home for baby Dean. He was placed in the Children’s Home for his first year of life. After that, he stayed in the home of Minnie and Edward Erickson. By the summer of 1933, Dean was home with his 7 siblings, his father, his cousin Walfred Olander and his uncle Victor.
Dean later moved to Illinois and lived with his eldest sister, Tillie, and her children. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 15, 1945 for the duration of the war. Dean married Mary Louise Johnson on January 30, 1953. Four children were born of this union: Joseph in 1953, James in 1955, Jay in 1958 and Dianne in 1960. In 1962, Dean and Mary’s marriage ended in divorce. After the divorce, Dean moved back to Isanti County, where he still resided. Dean worked many jobs at Honeywell, Twin City Arsenal, Bob’s Lookout, Sundance Golf Course and was president of Brooklyn Center Little League for 6 years.
On May 14, 2017, Dean died unexpectedly at home. He was preceded in death by his parents; former wife, Mary; siblings: Earl, Eleanore, Robert, Mathilda and Edith; and great grand-daughter, Bailey Joy.
He is survived by his children: Joseph (Rochele) Lillion, James (Linda) Lillion, Jay (Sylvia Godich) Lillion, and Dianne (Greg) Park; grandchildren: Heather, Alisha, Stefanie, James, Calvin, Joslyn, Kelsey; great grand-children: Wesley and Matthew; two sisters: June Anderson and Grace Haynes; sister-in-law Mary Lillion; nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.
Jean Schlickenmayer says
You will be so missed Dino! I have so many memories of so many fun times with you! Traveling, pull-tabs, Chevez, family! But most of all was your friendship ! I enjoyed sitting in your yard and visiting, you named your birds and little critters!! Rest in peace my dear friend!
Julie Binger DuPay says
My heart goes out to this amazing family. So many happy memories with grandpa Dean. RIP.