Lillian Hillert, 92 of Rockford, IL, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012 at Fair Havens
Christian Home in Decatur, IL. Lillian was a long time Rockford resident and had been in Decatur to be near her daughter during her illness. She was born on Aug. 24, 1919 in Rochelle, IL to Hans and Minnie Wittwer. Thereafter, Lillian moved to rural Fairdale with her parents and attended public school there, graduating from high school in 1936. After graduation she worked for National Lock Company in Rockford for approximately 10 years and there met her sweetheart, Robert Hillert. Lillian and Robert were married on Feb. 17, 1946. Lillian then
was an assistant to a local painter, Nels Akerlund, for over 25 years until she retired.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lindenwood for 60 years. She had many friends and family who were important to her. She was an outdoor person who loved gardening, flowers, birds and animals, as well as crocheting. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert, in 1996.

Survivors include a daughter: Kay (Jeff) Richardson of Decatur, IL; 4 granddaughters: Melissa Long of Rural Retreat, VA, Amanda (John) Gillig of Columbia, MO, Laura Richardson and Libbey Richardson both of Decatur; 3 great grandchildren: Mallory Long, Arlo Gillig and Jagger
Gillig; brother: Walter Wittwer of Monroe Center and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lindenwood, on Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012 at 10:30 AM with Rev. David Yarrington. Visitation is from 9:30 to 10:30 AM prior
to service time at the church on Thursday. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Rockford, IL. Memorials to Immanuel Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle.