Lillian Dempsey

Lillian Dempsey

July 31, 1927 - October 07, 2016

Obituary

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.

Funeral Service

Thursday, October 13, 2016
2:00 PM

St. Lukes Lutheran Church
107 Centennial Street So
Wishek, ND 58495

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Cindy Salwei
Other •
I have been thinking about all of the wonderful times I had with Lillian and wanted to share some. I was very young coming to Wishek but Lillian was always so warm and loving. We were in Civic League & Homemakers together, it was a blast, she kept things lively and fun. Sometimes we laughed so hard we cried. I will always remember her smile and fun nature. Lillian will always be in my heart and memories. God bless you all as you go through this hard time. With Loving thoughts and prayers. Cindy Salwei
DC
Dave Cross
Other •
Great lady, great family!! Sorry to hear of her passing.
GS
Greg Salwei
Other •
I first met Lil in 1975 when she was a veteran English teacher in Wishek and I was a newbie just out of college. I was always amazed at how a single mother raising 6 sons could be so easy going. Whenever we would get excited about something she would tell us to "Relax." We worked together as Jr Class & Prom advisors and enjoyed her sons playing ball. I'll always remember being stranded by a Blizzard in the Kulm gym and seeing Lil in her big fur coat, sitting on the hardwood floor and leaning against a tall cast iron radiator trying to get some sleep without ever a complaint. She was special and will be missed.
PN
Pat Schobinger and Family (Teri, Jack, Nick)
Other •
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Lillian's life is a celebration of all that is good.
C(
Connie Tate (Adams)
Other •
I am saddened to hear about your mom. I remember her wonderful sense of humor-which she needed raising all you boys! I think of you all often and hope you are all doing well. You have my sympathy.
DZ
Delore Zimmerman
Other •
Sonia and I are saddened to hear of Lillian's passing. I have such fond memories of hanging around the Dempsey house when we were young, listening to music and making Jenos pizza. Lilian was always so cheerful and welcoming to all of us, despite our youthful quirkiness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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