Lily was born May 17, 1915 in Fillmore County to Olaf and Clara (Peterson) Lysgaard. She attended rural school in Newburg. She was united in marriage to Giffen S. Haagenson on September 14, 1935 in Spring Grove by Rev. Breen. They farmed north of Mabel and the surrounding area until 1951 when they moved into Mabel. In 1954 they bought the Amherst Store and she operated it for 54 years. Giffin preceded her in death on October 29, 1961. Lily was a member of the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed, and was their oldest member. She enjoyed trips to Decorah buying for the store, sitting around visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. In July, 2006 she became a resident of the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel.
Lily passed away Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel where she has been a resident for five years and ten months at the age of 96.
Lily is survived by two sons Gerald (Janet) of Mabel and Larry (Sharol) of Dakota, Minnesota; one grandson Brad (Liza) of Lewiston, Minnesota; two sisters Irene Vigeland of Mabel, and Gertie Bakkum of Rushford, Minnesota; a sister-in-law Rose Haagenson of Manchester, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Giffen; her parents; and two sisters Bertha Bjergum and Dorothy Inglett.
Funeral services will be 11AM Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church in rural Mabel with the Rev. Mary Waudby officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 4 – 7 PM Tuesday, May 1, 2012 at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church. Memorials are preferred to the Garness Trinity Lutheran Church. |
