Lillian Mary Welle

Lillian Mary (Lieser) Welle, age 93, of Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2025. She spent her last days surrounded by her children and grandchildren as they shared memories and gently sent her off. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on June 3 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, beginning with the Rosary led by Catholic Daughters at 9:45 am, visitation at 10:00 am, and service at 11:00 am, with burial and lunch to follow immediately after.

Lillian was born to Leo and Eleanor (Wuertz) Lieser on June 3, 1931, in Spring Hill, MN. She was united in marriage to Walter Welle on August 30, 1956, in Spring Hill. They moved to Callaway, MN after the birth of their first child, and lived there for over 30 years, raising six children, before retiring in Detroit Lakes, MN. She loved taking care of her neighbors with baked goods. She was an active member of the Assumption of Mary Catholic Church in Callaway, and later of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Detroit Lakes. For many years in Callaway, she was a daycare provider and a Catechism teacher. She was involved in her community, joining quilting clubs, Christian Mothers, Catholic Daughters, and regularly volunteered working with the elderly. She was a consummate nurturer, from people to plants.

Lillian was known as an accomplished baker and gifted seamstress, who made cookies for every holiday and sewed everything from bridesmaids dresses to quilts. Her garden was full of fresh food and bright flowers. There was not an event that passed by that didn’t have something made by her loving hands. Her baked goods and creativity will be dearly missed by all.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband Walt, her son Randy Welle, and her parents and four beloved siblings.

She is survived by her son Richard (Mariella) Welle of Nome, ND, daughter Cynthia (Dave) Welle-Erwin of Mora, MN, daughter Sandy (Brian) Torgusson of Detroit Lakes, MN, daughter Sheila (Rhys Anderson) Welle of Detroit Lakes, MN, and son Jeff (Shannon) Welle of Hudson, WI, as well as 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Many thanks for your contributions to the celebration of Lillian's life. In keeping with her generous and faithful spirit, any memorial gifts not specifically designated will be given in her honor to Covenant House, a ministry close to her heart. May her legacy of love and compassion continue to bless others, just as her faith guided her throughout her lifetime.

Funeral Mass for Lillian can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@holyrosarycatholicchurchde380/streams.