Lela Litwiller, age 89, passed peacefully away after a short time of tender loving care, at Cambridge Senior Living Facility in Rice Lake on Sunday, November 29, 2020.

Lela Lorraine (Boeckner) Litwiller was born to Aaron Y. and Gertrude R. (Holdeman) Boeckner on January 2, 1931 at Moundridge, Kansas.

Lela was the fourth, in a family of thirteen children, and spent her happy growing up years on the family farm, enjoying working, playing, and singing with her brothers and sisters.  She received her education at the rural, one room, French School.  At a very young age, she gave her heart to the Lord, and was baptized on November 10, 1940, by Minister Ervin Harms.  She was a very sincere Christian, and earnestly upheld her faith until the end.

In her teen years, Lela was often called upon to assist young mothers in the community.  She also worked as a receptionist at a doctor’s office in Moundridge.

On January 4, 1953, Lela was married to Kenneth Litwiller.  They lived on a little farm in Michigan nearly two and a half years, until Kenneth was drafted.  The next two years were spent in central Kansas, where Dad served his term of 1W service at Bethesda Home in Goessel, KS.  In 1957, Dad and Mom moved to Wisconsin, where they resided until her passing.

Dad was ordained to the deaconry in October, 1961.  Mom quietly and faithfully filled her place by his side, supporting him in any way she could.  She was a lover of hospitality, often inviting guests for meals, or a night’s lodging.  She loved raising flowers, gardening and making quilts.  Sewing days at church were very important to her, and she attended them as long as she was able.  She brought her sewing machine, and sewed together many quilt tops.

For a number of years, Dad and Mom cooked, and served meals to the less fortunate, every week, at the Soup Kitchen in Rice Lake.

Nearly five years ago, Mom suffered a stroke, which began a decline that eventually left her helpless.  Although we are saddened by her passing, we are comforted in knowing she is safely home.

Left with precious memories is her loving husband, Kenneth; one son, Keith and Denise Litwiller of Spooner; one daughter, Karen and Uriah Yoder of Barron; two daughters-in-law, Sherry Bellefeuille of Rice Lake and Brenda and Roger Nichols of De Smet, SD; 13 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.  She also leaves behind six sisters, Leona Dyck of Moundridge, KS, Mae Johnson of Brooksville, MS, Vada Schmidt of Brooksville, MS, JoAnn and Andy Powell of De Ridder, LA, Rose and Paul Toews of St. Mary’s, Ontario and Lois and Fred Decker of Scott City, KS; three brothers, Gerald and Thelma Boeckner of Walnut Hill, FL, Weldon and Lois Boeckner of Moundridge, KS and Dennis and Eileen Boeckner of De Ridder, LA; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Ed; stillborn son; stillborn granddaughter, an infant granddaughter; one brother and two sisters.

A funeral service for Lela Litwiller will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hillcrest Mennonite Church with John Zimmerman, Don Bates and Vernon Schafer officiating.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Mennonite Church.  Burial will be at the Hillcrest Mennonite Cemetery.

Arrangements are being handled by Rausch and Steel Funeral Home in Barron.

Last Update: Nov 30, 2020 6:01 pm CST