" I am sorry for your loss. It's a sad time when we lose the one we love and cherish. The Bible provides us with hope & comfort that we can rely on. At Isaiah 25:8 God says "He will swallow up death forever and the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe away the tears from all faces." What a joyous time that will be for all. And at Daniel 12:2 it says that "those asleep in the dust of the earth will wake up." These scriptures and many more will bring comfort to you as it has for many. "
In loving memory of
M. Iona Lillevik
April 30, 1925 - August 16, 2016
Funeral Services are 3:00 p.m., Monday, August 22nd at Joyce Funeral Home in Emmetsburg. Burial is in Evergreen Cemetery, Emmetsburg. The family will greet friends from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Monday prior to the service at the funeral home.
M. Iona Christenson, daughter of Jens and Petrea (Jensen) Christensen was born April 30, 1925 in West Bend, Iowa. She attended Rodman Schools, and she was a graduate of West Bend High School. Iona was united in marriage to Marvin G. Helmke on November 14, 1943. To this union, two daughters were born. Marvin passed away in 1976. On January 11, 1979, Iona married Orvis Lillevik in Emmetsburg and. Orvis preceded her in 1990.
Following her education, Iona worked at a bakery for a short time. Later, she helped work on the farm, sold Avon products and worked at Joyce's Food Store in Emmetsburg.
Iona was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Emmetsburg where she enjoyed being involved in M.Y.F. and the Pythian Sisters. She enjoyed helping others in the community, and she acquired many hours as a member of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (R.S.V.P.). Iona enjoyed bowling, dancing and ice skating in her youth. She loved her home on the lake, traveling, playing cards and taking care of her flowers - especially her geraniums. More than anything, she loved her granddaughters and great-grandsons.
On Tuesday, August 16, 2016, Iona passed away at the Emmetsburg Care Center. She was 91.
Left to cherish her memory are two granddaughters: Kim Kerr and her husband, Tim of Cylinder and Tracey Henderson of Emmetsburg; five great-grandchildren: Tyler Henderson, Adam Kerr, Arik Kerr, Cody Henderson and Clayton Henderson.
Iona was preceded in death by her parents; husbands: Marvin and Orvis; two daughters: Judy Lubinus and her husband, John and Linda Helmke and her husband, Darwin Sindergard; four brothers: Frank, Leo, George and Richard Christensen and her sister, Irene Gearhart.
Tributes
"Kim Tracy and families So sorry to hear about "Grandma Iona". Try to remember all the happy times with her. God bless."
"We always enjoyed visiting with Iona even when they lived out at the farm by Curlew. She was a super lady and will be missed."