Gwenn Lilya

Gwenn Elizabeth (Ekern) Lilya, 87, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025, at the Ely Community Bloomenson Hospital.
She was born on February 3, 1938, in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, to Julian and Eileen Ekern. Gwenn graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1956 and attended Concordia College that fall, earning her two-year degree in Elementary Education. She continued her studies during the summers, working toward her four-year degree until the spring of 1958.
In 1958, Gwenn moved to Tower, Minnesota, to begin her career as a fifth-grade teacher at Tower Elementary, where she taught for two years. On June 10, 1960, she married James Richard ""Dick"" Lilya. Over the years, she also worked at the Tower Liquor Store, Tower Bakery, and the Y-Store.
Gwenn will be remembered for her warm heart, her love of cooking, and the joy she found in sharing meals with family and friends. She was always eager to try new recipes and was especially known for her famous sloppy joes and meatballs. She loved being by the lake and spending time at her son's cabin, surrounded by family. She also enjoyed making trips back to Detroit Lakes to visit family, and she was always ready for a shopping excursion with her daughters. Her annual Fourth of July parties on the deck were a highlight for loved ones and neighbors, and she cherished the visits from all who stopped by. Most of all, Gwenn treasured time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, creating memories that will live on in their hearts.
Family was always at the center of Gwenn's life. She is survived by her four children: James Lilya, Julie (John) Poderzay, John ""Chas"" Lilya, and Jessica (Dan) Lenci; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; her sisters Julie Raphael and Carol (Keith) Bergren; and her sister-in-law and special friend, Rosemary Pecha. She was preceded in death by her parents, Julian and Eileen Ekern; her brother, John Ekern; her nephew, Bryan Ekern; and her life partner, Al Harvat.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, at St Martin's Catholic Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served in the church basement, following interment. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Family arrangements have been entrusted to Kerntz Funeral Home of Ely.