LILLIG, LEROY S.

LeRoy Stephen Lillig died Thurs., Feb. 14, 2008, at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City after an extended illness. He lived 89 years, 9 months and 24 days.

LeRoy was born April 21, 1918, in Keota, the son of Peter and Anna (Meicher) Lillig. He attended St. Mary’s School in Keota. He served as a Corporal in the U.S. Marines 4th Division, 6th Battalion during World War II. He was also a member of Colonel Edson’s Raiders, an elite sharpshooter unit. He received two Purple Heart Medals, an American Campaign Medal and a World War II Victory Medal. On July 11, 1947, he was united in marriage to Margaret A. McNurlen in Cedar Rapids. He worked as a scaleman for River Products Quarry for over 20 years, retiring in 1988. He lived in Keota all of his life, wintering in Texas the last 20 years. He was a member of Holy Trinity Parish St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keota. He was a lifetime member of the Keota V.F.W. Post #4716. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, but most of all spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife Margaret Lillig of Keota; a daughter Susan (Bill) Messner of Sterling Colo.; a daughter-in-law Linda Lillig of Omaha, Neb.; 9 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Michael; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Mass of the Resurrection was held at 10:30 am on Tues., Feb. 19 at Holy Trinity Parish St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Keota, with Fr. Charles Fladung officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date. Visitation took place Mon., Feb. 18 from 4 to 7 pm, with a Wake Service at 7 pm at the Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota.

Memorials may be given to the Keota QRS. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Keota is handling the arrangements.