Lilly M. Lanphear
April 09, 1929 - January 30, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Lilly Marie (nee Oberg) Lanphear made her way to her Lord on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021, after a courageous battle with cancer. Lilly was born on April 9, 1929, to Swedish immigrants, Olaf (Ben) and Astrid Oberg, in Spokane, Wash. She attended John Rogers High School where she was inducted into the National Honor Society and served as Girls League President. She was presented the Outstanding Student Award in Science at graduation.
Lilly married Howard Lanphear on Aug. 28, 1948, and they attended Northwest Bible College in Seattle. Lilly left college to devote her full love and care to her children while encouraging them to pursue an education and career. She supported Howard in their church ministry, using her talents to play the piano, organ, teach Sunday School and lead a women’s Bible study.
Lilly enjoyed the Scandinavian influence and her work at Crescent Lighting in Madison. She loved everything creative and her hobbies included gardening, painting and making her home welcoming. She and Howard traveled the country visiting relatives. A trip to Scandinavia included a special time with relatives in Sweden.
Becoming a grandmother (Mimi) and then great-grandmother brought new joy. Lilly was happiest spending time with family and reminded us that we were “making memories.” Lilly’s favorite Bible verse is Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doeth good like medicine.” Left to cherish her memories are her children, Linda (Bill) Lehman of Bradenton, Fla., and Dave (Sue) Lanphear of DeForest; six grandchildren, Ben (Sofia) Koerner, Aimee Koerner, Andrew Lanphear, Jana (Todd) Lake, Ryan (Megan) Lanphear and Tyler Lanphear; nine great-grandchildren, Malyn and Jaicee (twins) and Devyn Lake, Vivienne, Benjamin and Branden Koerner, and Andi, Caroline and Henry Lanphear; special friend, Debbie Foster; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Lanphear; and nieces and nephews.
Lilly was the beloved wife for over 72 years of the late Howard Lanphear, who predeceased her on Nov. 26, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Arthur Oberg and Ben Oberg; and sister, Betty Broberg.
Services for Lilly and Howard are private to immediate family due to the coronavirus pandemic. Family and friends who wish to view a joint, virtual service via LIVE STREAM may visit Lilly’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com and click on the Live Webcast link at 1 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021, with the Rev. Dave Carlson officiating. Special thanks to the staff at Oak Park Skilled Nursing and Agrace HospiceCare. Memorials in her honor may be sent to Bethany Evangelical Free Church or Agrace HospiceCare, both in Madison, Wis. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Livestream
Sat Feb 20, 2021 @ 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM CDT
Livestream Service • -, -, WI null
Photos
Memories
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Cal Steiner
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Linda and David, what a privilege has been mine to know and to visit your parents for many years now. I would visit to honor and encourage them and inevitably these would minister to me. They are now experiencing by grace that with they by that same grace testified to all these years. Soli Deo GLoria. Cal Steiner
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Cindy Costello
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Lilly and Howard were my next door neighbors on Riverwood Drive in Loves Park, Illinois. They were the kindest and warmest neighbors you could want. Lilly created a beautiful perennial garden and when it became difficult I tried to help but I wasn’t as talented as she. Howard always had a smile and a kind word. I was sad when they moved but I knew they would be closer to family. I miss them, and I have thought about them often over the years. My condolences to the family on your loss. Heaven has 2 new angels. Cindy Costello
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Judy Crawley
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Dear Aunt Lilly and Uncle Howard, You will be dearly missed by all, shinning God's love on all! So many pleasant memories over the years as my Mom's Sister, Betty. Special condolences to my Cousins' Linda and David as we shared many special memories over the years! Attaching a picture of Howard and Lilly on their visit when we lived in the Portland/Vancouver area. They will be dearly missed ! Love, Hugs & Blessings, Judy & Dave
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Bettie Hall
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Dave & Family, I was so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. You shared with me that her final days were ahead, but knowing only somewhat lessens the sadness. I keep thinking that she and your dad are together again, forever, as will their memories be in all of your hearts. What wonderful parents you had! ❤️ Bettie Hall
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Sonja Burling
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I will never forget the help Lily gave to me when I bought the remake of an elaborate tiffany hanging lamp from Crescent Electric. This lamp was very special and I never forgot the price that was around $1,000. This lovely lamp hangs in my dining room and I think about Lily when I look at it. 80% of my family lived in Sweden and I loved the days, as a child, when I wandered in the forest of Sweden. So I share her love of her Swedish heritage. When the difficult years came I had a lot of fun baking things and bringing to her and Howard at the residence they lived at and received some care. Later of course, they needed more care. How wonderful that they are now in the heavenly residence with the Savior together and will never experience sickness again.
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Sincerely, Mike and Peter Slepekis
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Now that the suffering is in the past for your father and mother they are now so happy together once again with our Savior!