Lila June McFarlane (Branstner)

 

Lila June McFarlane (Branstner) 6/3/1932 - 11/16/2023   Age 91, of Columbia Heights, entered into heaven November 16, 2023.  Born in Oak Valley to August and Julia (Chase) Branstner, grew up on a working family farm with 14 siblings.  She recently recalled " Dad had work for all of us kids but he always made sure we had time to play."  She enjoyed telling of the adventures and games they played growing up.  Lila's educational journey began at Wadena High School.  She later graduated with the first class held at Anoka Technical College in 1967 for Nursing.  She dedicated her career as an LPN to caring for others, working at Crestview Nursing Home and Grace  Manor in NE Minneapolis.  Lila had an abiding commitment to her work and patients.  She cherished her time reading, writing stories and poetry, hosting dinner parties, and playing rook with her friends.  Lila was a very loving, kind, hard-working mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be dearly remembered and deeply missed. Survived by her children, Phil (Ardis), Brent (Barbara Phinney), and Becky Jarvi.  Grandchildren, Heather (Sam) Kirk, James (Katie) Jarvi, John (Monique) McFarlane, and Drew (Rianne) McFarlane.  Great- grandchildren, Brynn, Lexi, Austin, Kaiya, Blayke, James, Thomas, Alex, Aurora, Violet and Kaylin.   Preceeded in death by loving husband, Hugh Thomas of 66 years, son-in-law Mark Jarvi, 14 siblings and many other family members and dear friends.   Memorial service to be held on April 8th, 2024 at Grace Point Church, 2351 Rice Creek Road, New Brighton 55112 Service at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one hour prior.  Memorials to World Vision, Grace Point Church, or donors preferred charity.   Interment:  Fort Snelling