Walter E. Lilly

Walter E. Lilly, age 83, of Lake Crystal, died Thursday, March 4, 2021 at Crystal Seasons in Lake.

Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 8, 2021, at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato.  Interment will be in Lake Crystal Cemetery.  Memorials may be given to an organization of the donor’s choice.

Walter was born August 23, 1937 in Fontanelle, Iowa to Leslie Walter and Lorna Eileen (Bloom) Lilly.  He graduated from Greenfield High School, Greenfield, IA in 1955.  Walt served his country with the U.S. Army from 1955-58.  Walt was united in marriage to Gloria J. Moon on January 8, 1961 in Lake Crystal.  Walt worked as a Fuller Brush Salesman, did construction work building bridges, and from 1966 until his retirement in 1999 was with the Minnesota Department of Transportation as a real estate representative.  He later had Walt Lilly Appraisal Co.  Walt was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Lake Crystal American Legion Post #294 and its honor guard.  He was an avid card player.

Walt was a friend to many and he was certainly blessed with the gift of gab!  He kept a bit of the Iowa farm boy in him by gardening and selling his produce at area farmer’s markets and from the home garage – often on the honor system.  In later years his passion became his grandchildren.  Most Sundays he could be found playing on the floor with kids climbing all over him.  And within minutes of them leaving, he’d be snoring away on that same floor.

As Walt said a couple of years ago, “I’ve lived a good life.” He certainly gave a good life to his family as well.

Walt is survived by his four children, Rick (Dawn) Lilly, Rod (Kim) Lilly, Ron Lilly, and Jennifer Lilly all of Lake Crystal; six grandchildren, Ben Jacobson, Jason (Julie) Lilly, Seth (Carolyn) Lilly, Sam Lilly, Lindsey Lilly, and Nathan Lilly; two great-grandchildren, Easton and Evelyn; sister, Becky (Bob) Hodge of Logan, IA; many extended family.

Walt was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gloria on March 29, 2004; two brothers, Mike (Marge) Lilly and Dick Lilly; parents-in-law, Richard and Flossie Moon.

In the event of unforeseen live stream issues, an event recording will appear following the completion of the service. Thank you.