Lillian Fanslau

Lillian D. Fanslau, 85, of St. Joseph, passed away on Saturday morning, June 23, 2007, at Caretel Inns of Royalton in St. Joseph. A private graveside service will be held at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Research. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Those wishing to send the family a message of condolence or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Lillian was born April 10, 1922, in St. Joseph, to Julius and Beata Rutkowskie, the youngest of four siblings. On November 30, 1940, she married Harold Fanslau at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. They celebrated their 64th anniversary in November 2004. Lillian was a loving, nurturing, and dedicated wife and mother, who always put her family first. She found joy in treating her family and friends with delicious home-baked treats, home-made jams, and hand-sewn samplers and quilts. She loved the beach, all four seasons, and growing flowers in her garden. Lillian was a founding and life-long member of the Christ Lutheran Evangelical Church. Lillian is survived by her sons, Fred Fanslau (Cheryl Castle) of Stevensville, Allan Fanslau of St. Joseph, David (De) Fanslau of Trenton, MI; daughters, Nora Turner of Wimberly, TX, and Julie Ann Fanslau of Benton Township; five grandchildren, Stephanie, Julie Erin, Eric, Steven, and Ashley; and by her sister Elsie Demkovich of Stevensville. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Harold in 2005; and by her sister, Hattie Rutkowskie and by her brother Fred Reinhardt.