DIXON – Lillian Friese, 86, of Dixon, died Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon. She worked for more than 30 years as an LPN supervisor for the Dixon State School until its closure. She then worked for Singer Mental Health in Rockford. After her retirement, Lillian worked as a nurse for Dixon Public Schools.

Lillian was born Nov. 28, 1925, in Hurst, the daughter of Herman and Augusta (Lilly) Smith. She married Ivan L. Friese on April 12, 1945 in Pigott, Alaska. He preceded her in death on Sept. 25, 1976. She was a member of St. Anne Catholic Church in Dixon. Her family was her life. Lillian’s favorite memories were years of camping, traveling, and attending her grandchildren’s events. She leaves behind good times and memorable celebrations for her family to cherish. With a smile, brave and strong is how she has always stood, even until the end. Lillian touched life with a caring hand.

Survivors include one son, Larry (Judy) Friese of Lena; three daughters, Janice Friese of Freeport, Jackie (Jerry) DeWitt of Oregon and Dianna (Jerry) Hooker of Dixon; one niece, Carolyn Jane (Lee) Brothers of Murphysboro; 10 grandchildren, Stacy (Aaron) Sargent of Lena, Allen (Nicole) Friese of Orangeville, Kim Holden of Freeport, Sam (Kelli) Riggen of Dixon, Ivan Riggen of Freeport, Gary (Chris) DeWitt of Monroe, La., Cmdr. Tim (Sai) DeWitt of Port Huemene, Calif., Carolyn (Ian) Wheat of Oregon, Jeremy (Jenn) Hooker of Dixon and Jenny (Jake) Kraft of Dakota; and 14 great-grandchildren.