Jack Lillis

Jack Lillis, 77, resident of Detroit Lakes, MN, died Tuesday, November 5 at his residence in Detroit Lakes. Memorial services will be held at David Donehower Funeral Home on Monday, November 11 at 11AM. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Jack was born September 19, 1936 in Richville, MN to Ned and Pauline (Schmidt) Lillis. He attended country school and later Perham High School. After school he started working for a farmer in North Dakota and later enlisted with the United States Air Force. He was stationed in California and Hawaii until he was honorably discharged. In 1956 he was united in marriage to Jean Smith in Ottertail, MN. They resided in Frazee, Luce, Detroit Lakes and Fargo. Jack was employed by Bohn Electric until he received his electrical journeyman's license. For 20 plus years, Jack worked for Dynamic Homes in Detroit Lakes. He was united in marriage to Eileen Lillis February 9, 1984 and together they resided in West Fargo, ND later moving to Detroit Lakes. Jack retired as President of Dynamic Homes in the early 1990's and started Lillis Electric. He continued operating his business until his health permitted him from doing so. Jack retired in 2010. Eileen passed away September 28, 2013. Being an avid outdoorsman, Jack enjoyed hunting and fishing, especially the trips to Lac Seul in Canada. Jack loved riding his Harley Davidson. He made the annual trip to Sturgis, SD from 1976-2009. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, teasing his grandchildren, playing cribbage, pinochle and smear where bending the rules was the norm for Jack. Jack fit the term "Jack of all trades", he could do anything from electrical, plumbing, woodworking and everything in between.

He will be remembered and missed by his children: Diane Lillis (Andy Heinle) of Bismarck, ND, Steve (Vicki) Lillis of Phoenix, AZ, Jerry (Sherry) Lillis of Lincoln, ND, Bob (Danita) Lillis of Mandan, ND, Richard (Arlene) Lillis of St. Cloud, MN, Jeff (Ranae) Grasto of Big Lake, MN and Jay (Melissa) Grasto of Otsego, MN. In addition he is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Matthew, Christin, Mark, Jacob, Brooke, Paige, Nate, Chandra, Garrett Lillis, Jordyne, J.J., Coleton, Trevor, Arianna and Lane Grasto, one great-granddaughter: Peyton, brother: Ed (JoAnne) Lillis of Detroit Lakes, and three sisters: Lois (Ralph) Weis of Richville, Janette Papenfuss of Perham and Geraldine Lillis of Frazee along with his constant companion, his dog "Choc".

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Eileen and two brothers: Paul and Richard "Junior". In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the National Arthritis Foundation P.O. Box 96280 Washington, DC 20077 | 800.283.7800

Funeral Home: David Donehower Funeral Home 609 Hwy 10 East Detroit Lakes, MN US 56501

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Previous Events

Visitation
Monday, November 11, 2013
Service
Monday, November 11, 2013

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