Lily May Vierstraete

Lily Vierstraete, age 96, of Marshall, Minnesota, died peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Sunrise Manor Nursing Home in Tyler, Minnesota. Funeral Services are 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 3, 2025, at Grace Life Church in Marshall. Following a luncheon, interment will be in St. Clotilde Catholic Cemetery in Green Valley, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her celebration, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. on Monday, also at Grace Life Church.

Lily May Dandurand was born on September 3, 1928, to Phillip and Daisy (Cary) Dandurand in Manitoba, Canada while her folks were visiting family for a short time. Lily grew up and attended school in the Marshall area.

On December 21, 1947, Lily married the love of her life, Cyriel Vierstraete. The couple was blessed with 4 children: Douglas - who died as an infant, Susan, Randy, and Dan. Lily was a loving homemaker and busy farm wife and they shared over 46 years of marriage together before his Cyriel's death in March of 1994.

Lily was best known affectionately as simply "Grandma Lil" to her family and church family. She moved to Marshall in 1994 and remained active by going on bus tours, being part of the VFW Auxiliary, the Eagles, Red Hat Society, Bible study, and helping at the senior center. Lily enjoyed reading, cooking many recipes, fishing, and playing cards. She was independent and adventurous; always willing to try something new like riding a motorcycle and jet skiing with her grandkids - even trying her skills on a go cart or flying in a hot air balloon. Being 96 didn't stop her from enjoying camping in the summer. A good cup of coffee and a sweet treat always made her day, especially when shared with her beloved family.

In the summer of 2022, Lily had a public baptism in Cottonwood Lake to express her years of faith in her savior and Lord Jesus Christ. All Glory is given to Jesus for her life, His goodness, and faithfulness to her all these wonderful years.

Lily May Vierstraete passed away on February 23, 2025, after a very sudden and brief decline in health at the age of 96 years, 5 months, and 20 days. Just two weeks prior, Lily was still living on her own at her beloved home at Hill Street Place in Marshall and hopping a bus with her walker to the store or bank. 

Family meant the world to Lily and she loved them with all of her heart. She is survived by 3 children, Randy (and Nancy) Vierstraete of Marshall, Sue (and Darryl) Bursack of Canby, Dan (and Patti) Vierstraete of Ghent. Lily was also blessed with 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, 11 great-great-grandchildren, and another on the way. She is lovingly remembered by a sister, Joyce, of Marshall; sister-in-law, Elsie Capp of Marshall; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. She will be greatly missed by each one.

Lily was preceded in death by her parents, Phillip & Daisy Dandurand; infant son, Douglas; and six siblings.