Lillian H. Kjono

Lillian Kjono, age 91, of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Twin Valley Living Center in Twin Valley, MN. Lillian Harriet Bredeson, the daughter of Alfred and Emma (Karlstad) Bredeson, was born November 19, 1918 in Ottertail county, MN. She grew up and graduated from high school in Fergus Falls, MN. As a young woman she worked for several years at Scotts Store in Fergus Falls. On November 2, 1947 Lillian was united in marriage to Roy Kjono and the couple continued to live in Fergus Falls for a time. Then, they made their home together in Twin Valley for 23 years before moving to Mahnomen. After Roy’s death in 1981, Lillian continued to make her home on the hobby farm west of Mahnomen until 2002, at which time she moved into town. She recently entered the Twin Valley Living Center. Lillian was a dedicated mother and homemaker, always caring for her seven children. She was an active member of the First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen where she served with the Ladies Aid and Dorcas Circle. Lillian also donated much of her time volunteering with the senior citizens group, the Hospital Auxiliary, and helping many years with the Marsh Creek Township voting registration. She loved listening to music, playing bingo, and reading several newspapers “front to back” daily. Lillian enjoyed the outdoors endlessly working in her gardens and caring for her lawn. In her younger years, she also liked to hunt, fish, and simply to be in the woods. Her family was truly her passion and she cherished each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by four sons: Steven (Roxanne), Fergus Falls, MN, Gary (Barbara Ann) of Fargo, ND, Larry (Kim), Detroit Lakes, MN, and Duane (Marcia), Thief River Falls, MN; three daughters: Barbara (Rick) Kjono-Phelps, Breckenridge, MN, Susan (Michael) Rude, Glyndon, MN, and Debra (Tim) Martin, Moorhead, MN; 17 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Arlene Erickson, Fargo. Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roy; two brothers, Orville and Eldore; and one sister, Gladys Currie. Visitation was held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, with a Prayer Service at 6:30, on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at the Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen. Funeral Services were held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Mahnomen, with Pastor John Lee officiating. Diane Kochmann served as organist. Pallbearers were her grandsons: Jason, Matthew, Chadd, Dane, Drew, Trey, Anthony, and Luke. All of Lillian’s granddaughters were honorary bearers: Heidi, Jaynie, Carrie, Tiffany, Trista, Kelsey, Wendy, Norah, and Rachael. Interment took place at Riverside Cemetery, Mahnomen.

Lillian H. Kjono

November 19, 1918 - November 21, 2009