Lila Langreck

Lila Langreck, age 71, of St. Lucas, IA, died on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at her home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 28, 2011, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA, with Rev. Marvin Salz presiding. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may call from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, and until 10:30 a.m. on Monday at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Lucas, IA. There will be rosary at 4:00 at the church on Sunday. The Schluter – Balik Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Lila Pauline (Johansen) was born on April 4, 1939 to Howard and Irene Johansen in West Union, IA. She graduated from North High School in West Union in 1958. Lila was united in marriage to Alvin Langreck on June 1, 1960 at the Holy Name Catholic Church in West Union, IA. She left this world surrounded, comforted and loved by her best friend, soul mate and husband Alvin, and her family. She was loved by everyone who knew her. Lila’s path was illuminated by the light of her Savior Jesus Christ. With this light, a glow in her smiling blue eyes, and gentle spirit warmed everyone. Lila loved her vegetable and flower gardens, where she shared countless hours with her children, as she did with her mother. She also enjoyed working trap lines and fishing. She seemed to have a knack of catching fish where no one else could get a bite. She could bake pies like no other, and enjoyed baking all kinds of yummy treats. Lila always remembered each child, grandchild, and friends birthday. Lila's joy in life was giving. And she was a soul who saw the good in each person she encountered. She was a soft, kind and gentle soul. We will miss her every single day. She was a successful career waitress, which she loved doing and enjoyed the people she met. She was first employed at the Town House in West Union for 2 1/2 years, and the White House, in St. Lucas, for 44 years. Lila was a member of the St Luke’s Catholic Church and the Rosary Society. Those left to cherish her memory are her loving husband of 51 years, Alvin. Four sons: Dennis, Gary, Kevin (Diana), Terry (special friend Stephanie Toepfer and family) all of St. Lucas. One daughter: Colleen (Kelly) Mishak, Alta Vista, IA. Four grandchildren: James & Justin Langreck, KC and Emma Mishak. Daughter-in-law: Pat (Farina) Langreck Decorah. Two step grandsons: Cory (Chloe & Dak) and Tony Sabin. One brother: Leo (Louise) Johansen, Elgin, IA Two sisters: Marilyn (John) Shipton, Clermont, IA Phyllis (Pat) Dilley, Waucoma, IA. Brothers and sisters-in-Law: Bea Johansen, Littleton, IA, Jan Johansen, West Union, IA. Ida Krivachek, Ft. Atkinson, IA JoAnn (Linus) Brincks Plymouth, IA. Herbert (Arlene) Langreck, Hawkeye, IA, Edwin (Helen) Langreck, Ft. Atkinson, IA, Anthony (LouAnn) Langreck, Ossian, IA, David (Mary) Langreck, West Union, IA and Duane (Kathy) Langreck, Hawkeye, IA., along with her dog Jack and 2 cats Lily and Tommy. Those who preceded her in death are her son: Ivan (her little mouse), parents: Howard and Irene Johansen, One sister: Shirley in infancy, Two brothers: Wayne and Millard Johansen. One Brother-in-law: John Krivachek. One Sister-in-law: Antonia Langreck