Ramona Juilette (Loken) Willander (April 7, 1934 - March 20, 2011) Ramona Juilette (Loken) Willander was born to Albert Sr. and Nora (Hanson) Loken on April 7, 1934, in Clarkfield, Minnesota. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Lucas Church, Normania Township. She attended District 86 in Swede Prairie Township and High School in Clarkfield. Ramona received her high school diploma through the American School of Correspondence in Chicago, Illinois. While in high school she participated in the Luther League and Lutheran Daughters of the Reformation/LDR Bible Study at St. Lucas Church and was active in the Farmers Union Youth Program. Ramona lived at home with her mother until she was united in marriage to Eldon Vincent Willander on April 11, 1970, at St. Lucas Church. This union was blessed with three children: Howard, Julie and Priscilla. Eldon and Ramona farmed and lived southwest of Clarkfield until their retirement when they moved to Clarkfield. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with family in 2010. Ramona was a member of the Clarkfield, Minnesota, Augustana Lutheran Church, a member congregation of the Healing Waters Parish. She was a fan of Elvis Presley and one of her most prized possessions was an autographed photograph that she received from him after writing him a letter. She was a dedicated gardener throughout the years and took pride in her vegetables, especially her pumpkins, squash and watermelons. She loved to cook, bake and can in the fall. With undue persistence, she could not however, convince any of her children to savor the taste of her homemade watermelon pickles. She enjoyed sharing her recipes with family members and neighbors. She was very generous in sharing her fall harvest with neighbors and family. She enjoyed biking and walking with her children while the kids were still in school. She loved attending social gatherings for family and friends. She enjoyed the time that she spent with her beloved grandchildren and even though her sight was very limited, she always asked the whereabouts of her grandchildren when they came to visit. Ramona passed away at the age of 76 years, 11 months and 13 days at the Clarkfield Care Center on Sunday, March 20, 2011, where she had lived since May of 2007. She is survived by her husband, Eldon; her children: Howard Willander of Boyd, Minnesota, Julie Willander of Boyd, Minnesota, and Priscilla Willander of Willmar, Minnesota; her grandchildren: Caden Johnson and Merron Johnson of Willmar, Minnesota; her siblings: Audrey Welch of Apache Junction, Arizona, Albert (Patricia) Loken, Jr. of Marshall, Minnesota, Dorothy (Dale) Zimmerman of Porter, Minnesota; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Albert, Sr. and Nora Lokken; sisters: Norma Kay Loken and Wilva Borgen; and brother Lawrence Loken. Ramona loved life and her family. Blessed be the memory of this amazingly selfless wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. In Loving Memory of Ramona J. Willander Visitation Thursday, March 24, 2011 ~ 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service 6:30 p.m. Lynner Funeral Home, Clarkfield, Minnesota Funeral Service Friday, March 25, 2011 ~ 10:30 a.m. Augustana Lutheran Church, Clarkfield, Minnesota Clergy Officiating, Pastor Steve Weston Organist Special Music, David Willander Honorary Casket Bearers (Grandchildren) Caden and Merron Johnson ~ ~ ~ All nieces and nephews Casket Bearers Jonathan Beck (great nephew) (Nephews) Jerome Jerve ~ Greg Loken ~ Ray Loken Wayde Peterson ~ David Willander Final Resting Place Fridhem Cemetery Tyro Township, Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrangements by Lynner Funeral Home Since 1891 Clarkfield Minnesota