Date of Birth:
Sunday, August 20, 1933
Date of Death:
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Age:
92 years old

Lillian Weiland

Lillian Heckenlaible Weiland entered this world on August 20, 1933 in Emery, SD, the third of four children. Life on the prairie during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl created unimaginable challenges and the family moved several times, finally settling on the farmstead just outside Bridgewater, SD. Following high school, she entered nursing school and graduated with her RN degree from Presentation School of Nursing in Aberdeen, SD.

In September 1957 she married Louis Weiland from Ethan, SD, later divorced. She raised four children while working nights, running the household, and moving along the way.  The family eventually made Rochester their home in 1965.

Beginning as a bedside nurse at Olmsted Community Hospital, Lillian continued her career as an operating room (OR) nurse at St. Mary’s and ended it there as OR supervisor in Urology.  She was always proud to be a nurse, declaring that she “learned something new” every day.

Being born into a musical family, Lillian had the ‘gift’ of rhythm, tone, and ear.  She had that miraculous ability to pick up an instrument and play it proficiently without written music. From an early age, she and her siblings sang barbershop, forming a quartet and performing at church events. Lillian could sing soprano through bass and was truly happiest when singing and dancing. She sang in numerous church choirs, bands, Sweet Adelines, and often to her kids while playing the guitar as they drifted off to sleep.

As a member of the Catholic Church, Lillian embraced her faith with a strong commitment and found comfort in the ritual of mass and music. Holiday masses filled with special performances and solos were a highlight for her.

In her later years, Lillian loved the place she called ‘home’ where she had raised her children.  From her view of downtown Rochester through the bay window to viewing deer, wild turkey, and all assortments of birds and squirrels from her beloved patio, the abode was a source of pride, protection, and comfort. She was ever grateful for the friendship and aid of neighbors Roger and Marilyn White, steadfast in their support over many decades.

Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Emma Heckenlaible, sister Marilyn Lovett, and brother Wally Heckenlaible. She leaves behind a sister, Caroline Brandsma, sister-in-law Annetta Heckenlaible, daughter Cydney (Robert Smith), sons Tim (Anita) and John (Donna Knauber), and daughter Anne (Nate Hagens).  She is also survived by granddaughters Kathy, Brittany and Madeline, grandson Chase (Allison Gibbs), great-grandchildren Joseph and William and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, 11 4th Ave SW, in Rochester. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass. Rev. Msg. Gerald Mahon will be presiding with burial at Calvary Cemetery. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.mackenfuneralhome.com