Lillian Ileen (Thostenson) Enger

Lillian Ileen Thostenson was born on August 5th, 1939 at home on the family farm in Sandnes Township near Hanley Falls to Tom and Lydia (Nelson) Thostenson. She graduated from Hanley Falls High School. She attended Minneapolis School of Business where she earned her associate degree. Lillian married Gerald Enger on September 5th, 1959 in Hanley Falls and the couple had five children: Allen, Gary, Brian, David, and a stillborn infant daughter. During her years, Lillian, whom had a special preference for her nickname “Tiger Lil”, worked a variety of jobs including waitressing at the restaurant in Hanley Falls, Hardees in Granite Falls, the Hanley Falls Liquor Store, farming with her husband, and her most important job, raising her children. 

A woman of diverse interests and talents, Tiger Lil enjoyed golfing and bowling in her ladies and couples’ bowling league. A fun and lively lady, she adored all Elvis songs, square dancing, trips to Florida, Las Vegas, and numerous other places, casinos, and gambling. She enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Lillian was an active member of Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and was involved in the Ladies’ Aide group for many years. When her dementia progressed, she moved to Boulder Creek Assisted Living in Marshall where she lived for five years before moving to her final home at Prairie Home Fieldcrest in Cottonwood on July 1, 2020.

Lillian died on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at the age of 81, surrounded by family at Prairie Home Fieldcrest in Cottonwood. She is preceded in death by husband, Gerald; parents, Tom & Lydia; an infant daughter; son, Brian; grandson, Robert; sister, Marlys Scherer, and brother, Edwin Thostenson.

She is survived by three sons: Allen of Minneapolis/Hanley Falls, Gary (Judy) of Hanley Falls, and David (Erin) of New Hope; grandchildren, Arron (Kristy) Enger, Christina Enger, Wyatt Enger, Jess (Lance) Citrowske, Jamie (Galen) Lanners, Holly (Tyler) Kanten, Travis (Emily) Enger, and Brady Enger; great-grandchildren, Rhett, Kincade, and Rhiannon Enger, Jasper Enger, Lane, Liam, Lenox, Lily, and Lanora Citrowske, Ella and Ariana Lanners, Mason Sherod, Journey and Willow Kanten, Hadley and Abram Enger; brother, Gaylen (Wanyce) Thostenson, brother-in-law, Fran Scherer, and special friend, Arlan Gustafson.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 10:30 AM at Yellow Medicine Lutheran Church in Hanley Falls with visitation at 9:30 AM at the church. Due to COVID-19, masks are required in the church. Interment to follow in the East Yellow Medicine Lutheran Cemetery. Family would like to extend special appreciation and gratitude to the staff at Boulder Creek Assisted Living in Marshall, Prairie Home Fieldcrest in Cottonwood, and Prairie Home Hospice for the care and love they showed to Lillian. 

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