Lora Jean Tillberry, 85
Lora Jean (Jester) Tillberry, of Hallock, Minn., went home to her Lord Jesus on March 1, 2020. She will be remembered for her deep love, sweet smile, unending kindness, gentle spirit, and her devotion to God.
Jean was born in Wausau, Wisc., on July 17, 1934, to Carroll Floyd and Lora Wilhemina (Hoffmann) Jester. Jean graduated from Waukesha High School in 1952. She studied church music at Grand Rapids School of the Bible and Music from 1971-1973.
She worked in retail, at an attorney’s office, and at the Waukesha Court House in the county clerk’s office. She was extremely talented in music, having a gift at piano, steel guitar, and singing. She was an Avon representative for over 20 years, earning President’s Club honors for 10, and truly enjoyed visiting with her customers.
She also partnered with her husband in his career of ministry for 33 years and was the music director in the churches he pastored.
In 1959, Jean married James (Jim) Jirak Tillberry, on Sept 19, in Waukesha. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2019.
Jean is survived by the five children she raised with Jim: Lori Jean (Mark) Danielson of Mansfield, Texas; Linda Sue Confer of Rockford, Ill.; Thomas Carroll (Kimberly) Tillberry of Fridley, Minn.; Lisa Marie (Brett) Roberts of Belmont, Mich.; LeAnn Joy (Paul) Gatheridge of Humboldt, Minn.; and grandchildren: Erik Danielson of Boston, Mass.; Ethan Danielson, of Fort Worth, Texas; Natalie (Alex) Hanna and Aaron Confer of Rockford; Miranda Confer of East Grand Forks, Minn.; Paul Tillberry of Fridley; Kendra (Jordan Freitag) Tillberry of St. Paul, Minn.; Lyssa Daniels of Grand Rapids; Moya, Sophia, and Josee Roberts of Belmont; Thomas Jordan (T.J.), Lora, and Katelyn Gatheridge of Humboldt. Jean is also survived by her younger sister, Sybil (Jim) Zallar of Willard, Wisc.
Jean had a talent for making everyone feel special and unique. She was a wonderful example of Christian love. She shone her light for everyone to see and will be truly missed.
Memorial services will take place Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 10 a.m., at Pembina Evangelical Free Church in Pembina, North Dakota.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, is in charge of the arrangements. www.austinfuneralchapel.com
