Lila Birkholz

Lila Agnes Birkholz, daughter of Matt O. and Anna (Blackstad) Evjen was born on November 6, 1913, in Madelia, MN. She was the oldest of three children. Raised on a farm east of LaSalle, she was baptized and confirmed at Lake Hanska Lutheran Church. She graduated from Madelia High School in 1931 and from Mankato Normal School in 1932. She began her 12 year teaching career in rural schools in Watonwan County. Her teaching income was used to provide a car for the family, batteries for the radio and the daily newspaper. On August 12, 1943 she was united in marriage to Rev. Martin C. Birkholz and joined im in his ministry on the west side of Mankato at St. Mark's Lutheran Church. This was her home until they moved to St. James, MN in 2001. Following a stroke she moved to Pleasant View Nursing Home in St. James, where she died on Saturday afternoon, October 20, 2007. Lila and Martin had two children, Rev. Marcus (Cheri) Birkholz of Stillwater, MN and Daniel (Jane) Birkholz of St. James. Her eight grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren were always special to her. A number of the grandchildren stayed with grandpa and grandma in Mankato during their college days. Lila had the gift of hospitality. Her house was always open and a warm welcome was extended to members of the congregation, visitors and college students. The would never leave her table empty. Her specialties included fresh apple pie, roast duck and pheasant. The meals were often accompanied by canned or frozen garden vegetables. She leaves to mourn her passing, husband, Martin, sons Marcus (Cheri) and Daniel (Jane) and their families, her sister Ollie Olsen and brother Merle Evjen, many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorials instead of flowers may be given to St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Mankato, and/or St. Paul's Lutheran Church in St. James.