Lillian Barbara Dempsey

Lillian Dempsey, 89, Wishek, ND died Friday afternoon October 7, 2016 at the Wishek Living Center in Wishek, ND.

Lillian Barbara Wishek was born July 31, 1927 in Wishek, ND the daughter of John H. Wishek and Lillian (Mielke) Wishek. She attended the Wishek Public School and graduated in 1945. She then attended University of ND in Grand Forks, graduating in 1950 with a degree in English and Education.

Lillian and Lester Dempsey were married June 11, 1950. They taught together in ND schools, finally coming to Wishek in 1953. They made their home in Wishek where Lester farmed and they both taught in the Wishek Public School system. Following the death of her husband in March of 1973, Lillian continued to reside in Wishek. Lillian was an avid gardener and was especially interested in Historic Preservation. She also enjoyed sports, in particular watching her sons. She retired from teaching in 1984 but continued to be active in many community events.

She was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church, ELCW, Church Choir; American Legion Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, GFWC Wishek Civic League, Wishek Homemakers and the Wishek Historical Society. She also served two terms as Wishek's municipal judge and has served on the Wishek Chamber of Commerce Board. She has been active in the District 28 Republican party and served as President of the District 28 Republican Women. Lillian had a great sense of humor. She was an avid gardener. Lillian judged the American Legion Auxiliary flower shows. Lillian co-authored and co-edited the 1973 and 1998 Wishek Jubilee books.

Surviving are her sons, John (Charlotte), Dickinson, ND; Steve (Sharon), Los Angeles, CA; Paul (Lynn), Dallas, TX; James, Wishek, ND; David (Jan), Denver, CO; Mark (Sheila), Littleton, CO; 11 grandchildren, 3 sisters, Virginia Anderson, Phoenix, AZ; Jonna Hochhalter, Wishek, ND and Nina Mead, Tahoe City, CA

She was preceded in death by her parents, John H. and Lillian, her husband, Lester, and one sister Roberta.

Funeral Service -2:00 PM Thursday October 13, 2016 at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Wishek, ND with Rev. Kristen Schwan, officiating pastor

Visitation - None scheduled

Interment - Wishek City Cemetery, Wishek, ND

In lieu of flowers family prefers memorials to Activity Dept. (Wishek Living Center) and Wishek Public School Library.