Lillian “Lil” Zirpel, 85, of Mitchell, died Saturday, Dec. 12, 2015, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell.
Funeral services were Friday, Dec. 18 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Mitchell with burial in Flensburg Immanuel Cemetery at rural Dimock. Visitation was Thursday, Dec. 17 with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the Bittner Funeral Chapel in Mitchell.
Lillian was born Aug. 25, 1930, in Douglas County to Carl and Clara (Walz) Moege. She was baptized and later confirmed in the German language in June 1943 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at rural Dimock. She attended grade school in a one-room schoolhouse in Washington Township and graduated from Parkston High School in 1948.
On June 6, 1948, Lillian married Waldemar (Wally) Zirpel. Together they farmed 12 miles southwest of Mitchell. Wally died in 1993, and in 1994, she married Leonard Zirpel, who died in 1998.
In 2001, Lillian began working at Avera Select Insurance in Mitchell and retired in March 2013. She enjoyed playing cards, dancing, country music, embroidery and visiting with her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her five children, Caroline (Duane) Schuh of Rapid City, Bill (Kathy) Zirpel of Dell Rapids, Jim (Becky) Zirpel of Burke, Rita (Jimmie Jr.) Pope of Cleveland, Ohio, and Bob (Carolyn) Zirpel of Humbolt; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one great great-grandchild; one sister, LaVonne (Lawrence) Haiar; and her very special friend, Aleck Larson of Woonsocket.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; and her brother, Willard Moege.