Lillian Pearl Ryckman

Funeral services for Lillian P. Ryckman, age 91, of Milaca, will be held Friday, February 18, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Milaca with the Rev. Adrian Bolt officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Music will be provided by Barb Millam and Mary Kyle. Burial will take place in the Dale Cemetery at Emmons County, North Dakota. Lillian Pearl Ryckman was born May 31, 1919 on a farm in Emmons County, North Dakota to David and Mary “Mamie” (Parsons) Ryckman. She attended school in rural North Dakota and Pollock, South Dakota. Lillian was the oldest girl and felt honored to help nurture and care for all her younger siblings. Her servant’s heart extended to caring for new babies, children, and those that were ill in the community. Her baking, cooking, and cleaning skills were appreciated by many. She remained on the farm helping with farm work and doing household duties for her aging mother and brother. In 1993, following their deaths, she moved to Foley, Minnesota, where she made many new friends. In July 2008, failing health required her to move into the Milaca Elim Home. In spite of her many physical limitations, her positive, encouraging, and lovely smile endeared her to family, residents, and staff. While she was in North Dakota, Lillian was a member and faithfully attended the Pollock Memorial Presbyterian Church. After moving to Minnesota, she attended First Baptist Church in Milaca. Lillian passed away Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Saint Cloud Hospital at the age of 91 years, 8 months, and 12 days. Lillian is survived by one brother, Alvin (Alma) Ryckman of Fort Walton Beach, Florida; two sisters, Mabel (Vernon) Magnuson of Foley, Minnesota and Irene Hutchings of Keizer, Oregon. She is the proud and loving aunt of many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She loved and cherished many friends, especially her long-time friend, Marlys Byker. She was preceded in death by parents, brothers, Mervin, David, Jr., and Raymond Ryckman; sister, Viola Kultala McGowan; brothers-in-law, Elias Kultala, Gerald McGowan, and Robert Hutchings; sister-in-law, Joan Ryckman.