Lillie Heesch, 88, of Dell Rapids passed away Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Brooking Hospital. A memorial service was held on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, Dell Rapids. Private family burial will be held at Hills of Rest Memorial Park, Sioux Falls. On-line condolences may be left at the Minnehaha Funeral Home website.

Lillie was born September 27, 1927 in Sioux Falls to parents Albert and Rose (Byg) LaShier. She grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from Washington High School. After her education she worked as a dental hygienist for Dr. M. B. Paulson in Sioux Falls.

Lillie married John Heesch February 4, 1950 in Sioux Falls. She moved to the farm near Dell Rapids where she lived and farmed with her husband. She also worked for Sioux Valley Telephone Company for many years until her retirement. She then volunteered at Sioux Valley Hospice for 12 years. John died July 16, 1998. Lillie continued to live on the farm until moving to the United Living Community in Brookings in 2012.

She was a long time member of the United Methodist Church in Dell Rapids.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son, James (Virginia) Heesch, Flandreau; three grandchildren, Jonathan (Dory) Heesch, Michelle Heesch and Melissa Heesch; two great grandchildren, Jonathan and Devorah; and a sister, Bonnie Bentley, Spearfish, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, John on July 16, 1998 and her son, John on March 10, 2003.