Lillie Wanner

Lillie Wanner, 86, Bismarck, died March 6, 2008, at a Bismarck care center. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Charity Lutheran Church in Bismarck, with Rev. Robert Nordvall officiating. Burial will be at Peace Lutheran Cemetery in rural Streeter, ND. Visitation will be Sunday from 2:00 - 9:00 PM and Monday from 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM at Eastgate Funeral Service where a prayer service will be held Monday evening at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Tuesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Lillie was born on January 16, 1922, the daughter of Philip and Elizabeth Gums, in Streeter, ND, where she attended a country school. Lillie did not have much of a chance for a formal education due to her father's declining health. When she was 12 years old her dad passed away. She worked on the family farm, helping with everything from milking cows, stacking hay, gardening, canning, and cooking, plus the never ending housework, washing and ironing. She also cared for her invalid mother. Her brother, Edward, was widowed with five children ranging in age from 2 to 12. Lillie took on a huge responsibility without much thought. She was definitely a mother-figure more than an aunt to them. Lillie gave of herself so selflessly enduring long hours without complaint. On June 27, 1947, she was united in marriage to Edward "Eddie" Wanner. He moved to the family farm with Lillie where there were now nine people in a very small farm house, but somehow, they never felt crowded or needed private space; they were a very close knit family that found great pleasure in being together. She and Eddie farmed and raised cattle along with her brother, Edward. She was a servant who took time for others sewing dresses for the girls and her mother and made sure the boys and men had perfectly washed and starched white shirts ready for church on Sunday morning. Many times, long after the children had gone to bed, she would start cooking and baking something for Sunday dinner. She was a wonderful cook and was always prepared for unexpected company. Relatives and friends were always treated to a delicious meal and never went home unless she had first made a lunch which consisted of sandwiches, baked kuchen, cake or pie, and on occasion, homemade ice cream. Even though Lillie and Eddie did not have children of their own, their love for children stretched beyond her family when Lillie and Eddie became foster parents to Gerald, Gregory, and Kenny Schumacher. She was compassionate and loved them unconditionally. When Lillie's brother, Edward, remarried, Eddie and Lillie bought a farmstead of their own. Eddie passed away in 1975 and Lillie continued to live on the farmstead until 1996. She then moved to Bismarck where she resided until the time of her death. Lillie liked pulling surprises, especially sneaking up behind people when they least expected. Lillie had a great sense of humor. Her Christian faith came through and guided those she came in contact with, teaching others to pray. She loved to sing and many summer evenings were spent sitting on the front step and singing hymns. She was steadfast in her faith and also driven by her own convictions. She wanted to be very independent even until the end of her life. She wanted to do for others rather than have anyone do anything for her. Lillie is survived by her sister, Roselia "Sally" Lang; her foster children, Gerald and Kenny Schumacher; her foster grandchildren, Jennifer and Helen; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Edward; one sister, Louise Lang; and a foster child.

Lillie Wanner

January 16, 1922 - March 6, 2008