Lillian Corrine Rankin

Lillian (Johnson) Rankin, age 92, of Brainerd, MN, died peacefully Wednesday, February 6, 2019 at Pelican Valley Senior Living, Pelican Rapids, MN. Lillian Corrine Rankin was born August 8, 1926 near Pelican Rapids, MN, to Henry and Aletta (Dahle) Johnson. She grew up on the family farm on Franklin Lake near Pelican Rapids, MN.  In her early teens the family moved to Lake Lizzie, also near Pelican Rapids.  There she was very close to her siblings, especially her sister, Mildred.  Lillian has many fond memories of her family, and assisted them by helping to maintain the Johnson resort cabins.  As a means to socialize, Lillian also joined the 7-up club at school.  She attended school in Pelican Rapids, graduating from Pelican Rapids High School in 1944. Following her graduation, she attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND. Lillian was employed as a secretary at Minneapolis Moline and Vincent Brass in Minneapolis, MN. On October 30, 1954, Lillian married John Rankin at the Presbyterian Church in Brainerd, MN. Lillian and John owned rental properties in the area, which she managed.  Lillian was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN, and for many decades she was known for her helpfulness in the church kitchen. Lillian enjoyed flower gardening, polka and live country music. She also enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives.  Lillian was a beautiful person who was kind to others and often put other’s needs ahead of her own.  She had a warm expressive smile of recognition for old friends. She will be deeply missed by her family and was a blessing to all who knew her. Be glad for her, as her physical afflictions are over. Lillian is survived by her husband John, Brainerd, MN; son Paul, Brainerd, MN; sister Mildred Martinson, Edina, MN; sister-in-law Doris Mattson; nieces and nephews: fishing buddy Kim Guck, Julie DeMuth, Lyndon Johnson, Dean Johnson, Duane Martinson, Alan Martinson, Loretta Jenson, and Robert Jacobson. She is preceded in death by her parents: brother Herb Johnson, and sister Norma Jacobson. Memorials can be made to the Hospice of the Red River Valley.   Visitation: Tuesday, February 12, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, MN. Funeral Service: 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at Larson Funeral Home, Pelican Rapids, Minnesota with Pastor Laurel Ivers officiating. Please keep the Rankin family in our thoughts and prayers.   Lillian 's Memorial Folder