Lila Fern Koenecke was born on February 20, 1920. The oldest of six children born to Fern (Boyington) and Walter Koenecke in Madelia, Minnesota. She grew up and attended school in Madelia until her marriage to Lyle (Blackie). They made their home in Tacoma, Washington where Blackie was assigned to Fort Lewis during WW2 and deployed. While Blackie was away, Lila loved the restaurant life, where customers became friends. They resided in Tacoma, together, until Blackie’s passing in 1993.

Lila was an accomplished artist and made friends exhibiting her paintings at various art shows in the area. Some were shown at the Olympia Capitol. Lila came to make her home in Minnesota at the age of 89. She always enjoyed her independence.

Lila entered the Golden Living Center (The Estates) in January of this year. She touched many hearts of the residents and staff. Lila passed away at the age of 97 years on May 24th. She is survived by her sister, Arline Reihs, and brother Burton (Virginia) Koenecke and numerous nieces and nephews. Lila’s heart will always be in Washington, with the view of Mt. Ranier out her living room window and loving memories of the Carr family.

Funeral Services for Lila will be held on Monday, May 29, 2017 at the Delano United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. in Delano, Minnesota. Visitation will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. on Monday prior to the funeral in the church. Interment will be at Mountain View Memorial Park in Lakewood, Washington. She was a treasured gift to us all and will be missed dearly.