Erskine – Lillian Ann Rux, Erskine and Thief River Falls, 92, passed away on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Thief River Care Center, Thief River Falls.
Lillian Ann Nordhagen was born August 17, 1931, on a farm near Rosewood, the daughter of Olaf and Anna (Hemstad) Nordhagen. She was baptized and later confirmed on April 28, 1946, at Rindahl Lutheran Church, rural Viking. She attended grades 1 through 8 at Willowdale District #2 near the family home and graduated in 1948, from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls.
On October 31, 1948, Lillian married Floyd Rux in a ceremony at his parents’ home, rural Thief River Falls.
During her high school years, Lillian worked at JC Penney, Ben Franklin for 15 years, and the Sales Barn for a short time, all in Thief River Falls. From 1968–1987, she worked at the AVTI and then retired in 1987. She and her husband lived in Thief River Falls until 1986, when they moved to their lake home at Union Lake, near Erskine. The couple had a woodworking shop where they made a wide variety of items — from furniture to bird houses to lawn ornaments, which they painted and sold. They shared many items with family and friends. Lillian and Floyd truly enjoyed retirement at the lake.
Lillian always had to have a flower garden and potted plants everywhere. Feeding birds, and an occasional squirrel was a passion for her. She also liked woodworking, traveling, and loved going dancing with Floyd.
Survivors include children, Donna Cooper, Seattle, WA, Howard Rux, Casper, WY, Elodee (Kelvin) Aus, Bemidji, and Loren (Karen) Rux, Thief River Falls; grandchildren, Paul (Nichole McAllister) Cooper, Leigh Ann Cooper, Nichole Rux, Ryan Rux, Kymn (Loren) Files, and Alicia (Matt Linman) Rux; great-grandchildren, Georgia and Reid Cooper, Audrie (Robert) Brooks and Autumn (Devin) Smith, Josie (Cody) Anderson, and Charlie Rux; great-great-granddaughter, Presley Brooks; sister-in-law, Vivian Nordhagen, Central Point, OR; many nieces and nephews; and special friend, Dean Olson, Erskine and Florence, AZ.
Lillian is preceded in death by husband, Floyd; parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Oren (Dorothy) Nordhagen, Lester (Dorothy) Nordhagen, LeRoy Nordhagen, George Nordhagen; sisters and brothers-in-law, Mildred (Bruce) Fynskov and Sylvia (Arthur) Von Wald; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
A special thank you to Thief River Falls Care Center staff and Hospice of the Red River Valley for their wonderful caring and kindness. Also, thank you to all the family and friends that visited and sent cards to Lillian.
Visitation will be from 9:30–10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Service Chapel, Thief River Falls.
The Memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls.
Burial will be at Rux Cemetery, rural St. Hilaire.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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