June M Lilke

It is with sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of June Marie Lilke of Grand Forks, ND on February 14, 2025 at the age of 94.

June was born in Loyal Wisconsin, in 1930 to Otto and Bertha (Krabbenhoff) Kath. After graduating high school, she moved with her brother to Grafton, North Dakota. It was in Grafton, ND that fate introduced her to Vernon Lilke at Stan's Café. Their chance encounter blossomed into a beautiful marriage, and together they welcomed four children: Alan, Ray, Mylo, and Lana. They called Grand Forks home and were married 67 years. Vern passed away in 2016

June was a dedicated mother, grandmother and homemaker. She worked at Grossman's Dry Cleaners, and later joined Western Potato which became Simplot. She retired in 1996.

June found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved spending time with her family at their cherished lake home on Island Lake, where she spent many hours painting the cabin inside and out. She enjoyed fishing and playing cards with her lake neighbors. 

A talented craftswoman, June enjoyed needlework, crocheting afghans and tablecloths. She was also willing to hem clothes for friends and family. Her cross-stitching creations will forever remain cherished tokens of her thoughtfulness and creativity.

June was diagnosed with third stage ovarian cancer and Alzheimer’s Disease in 2014. She was able to beat her cancer but the Alzheimer’s disease slowly progressed. Lana, (her daughter) was a godsend to her as she was able to stay in her house with her help for the majority of her life. Even with her dementia she was able to play bingo and pulltabs. She always had many stories to tell about her childhood in Wisconsin.

June is survived by her children: Alan (Joan) Lilke of Grand Forks, Ray (Sharon) Lilke of Big Lake, MN, Mylo (Sharon) Lilke of Grand Forks and Lana Lilke of Grand Forks; six grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; siblings: Ottis Kath (Loyal, WI), Loraine Schlitz (West Lake Village, Ca); nine great grandchildren and numerous cousins, niece, nephews and friends. 

June was preceded in death by her husband Vernon; sisters Esther Quast, Carol Sorenson, Gladys Kramer, and brother Walda Kath.

Her spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of her family and friends, guiding them with her enduring love and cherished memories.

Her memory will be honored at a memorial service on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks, beginning at 10:30 a.m, visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place on June 1, 2025 at Memorial Park South Cemetery, Grand Forks. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to: Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601.