Velma Rose Lillegard

Velma Rose Lillegard, 75, of St. Joseph, passed away Monday, April 9, 2012 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, April 13, 2012 at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, 125 Kline Street, Benton Harbor, with Pastor Jeremy Laitinen officiating. Friends may visit from 3-5 & 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday, at Starks-Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to the Lymphoma Society or the Berrien County Cancer Society. Those wishing to sign the memory book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Velma was born February 27, 1937 in Benton Harbor to John & Helen (Kish) Gerencser. On July 30, 1960 she married Lawrence Erik Lillegard in Benton Harbor, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church, her life long church. Velma was an active member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and its Ladies Aid. She held National offices as well as Past President for the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society. At Benton Harbor High School she was a cheerleader and member of the rifle team and later became a member of the NRA. She graduated from Valparaiso University and was a member of its Gamma Phi Sorority. Velma was also a teacher at Coloma High School and St. Mary’s School for Girls in St. Louis, MO. Velma worked for 25 years as the store manager at Banner Christian Book Store in St. Joseph and most recently for Clem & Bobbie’s Dry Cleaners. Her hobbies included painting, music, playing the organ for St. Matthew’s, sewing, gardening, and she was a passionate quilter. She most enjoyed spending time with her children and large extended family. She served her family, church family, and her Lord Jesus Christ with undying devotion. She lived her earthly life with strong Christian conviction. Her modesty and Christian love touched everyone that she met.. Velma is survived by her children, Daniel (Tara) Lillegard of Avilla, IN, Susan (Roger) Knafel of Marshall, MI, Christine Lillegard of Bridgman, MI, Kathryn (John) Tyson of Grand Rapids, MI, grandchildren, Nicole, Andrew, Daniel, Dylan, Nathan, Monica, Zane, Mical, and a sister, Eleanor Hildebrand of St. Joseph. Velma is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and two brothers, John V. & William Gerencser.