Lily Lecheler

Lilly Lecheler, 89, of La Crosse, died peacefully Thursday, May 25, 2017, in her home. She was born July 15, 1927, to Joseph and Mary Hejna in Bolivar, Mo.

She married Raymond J. Lecheler Oct. 8, 1949, in Springfield, Mo. He preceded her in death April 10, 2012.

Lilly was a loving mother and grandmother who cherished family unity and interaction, organizing many family reunions. She was active as a den mother and troop leader when her children were involved in scouting. Her unwavering faith and love of God led her to spend countless hours volunteering and participating in church activities.

Her interests were many and varied: She was an extraordinary seamstress and avid quilter as well as a masterful baker of tasty delights. Her love of flowers was evident in her beautiful flower gardens. Once her children were grown, her unquenchable thirst for travel became legend – at times it seemed she passed through town just long enough to water the flowers and then she was off again. Rarely caught without her camera, she diligently maintained a photographic family history.  Her family became familiar with the concept of “Candid Camera” long before the television program aired.

She is survived by her eight children: Paul, Donald, Robert (Pam), Frederick (Ruth), Carl (Lee Ann), Linda Brandt, Frances {Michael) Gontarz and Kim (Traci); nine grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Raymond; a granddaughter, Kimberly; seven brothers; and four sisters.

A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 2, 2017, in the Cathedral of St. Joseph the Workman, 530 Main Street, La Crosse. Msgr. Charles Stoetzel will officiate with entombment in the Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum. Friends may call from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017, at the Blaschke-Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. S., La Crosse, with a rosary at 7:00 p.m.; and one hour prior to Mass Friday at the church