Lillian Wurzel resident of Winter Haven peacefully passed away January 5, 2019 in Bend, Oregon where she had recently moved to be close to her son, Thomas and daughter-in-law Becky.
She was born in Monessen, Pennsylvania on November 27, 1917 to Axel and Kristina Eliason.
She met her Husband, Eugene while dancing which became a big part of their social lives. They spent 55 years married and had two children Thomas and Robert.
The family moved from Pittsburg to Winter Haven in 1956 to pursue new opportunities. She was a homemaker and an active member of the community throughout her life. In 1964 they built a home on Lake Lulu. It was their dream and where she remained until very recently. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Winter Haven and a cofounder of the Sandspurs Square dancing group in the 1950’s which continued for more than 50 years as a social group of friends and neighbors.
She enjoyed friends, family, board and card games especially solitaire and bridge. She had regularly played tennis and golf in earlier years. She had the opportunity to travel extensively for leisure, but loved to always come back to Winter Haven.
She is survived by her Children, Thomas and wife Becky, Robert and wife Marcia, Four Grandchildren, Michael, Jennifer and husband Vincent, Melissa, Robert and wife Anne-Marie and five Great Grandchildren, Skyler, Dylan, Autumn, Grant and Reagan.
Lillian is preceded in death by her Parents, Axel and Kristina Eliason and her Husband, Eugene.
She was asked recently what you would say to younger people having lived so long. She replied “the hardest thing is out live all your friends.” She had a wonderful smile and always remembered everyone birthday by making sure they received a personal card and/or a call.
She will be interred at Lakeside Cemetery next to her loving husband. There will be a celebration of Lillian’s life on March 23, 2019 at 1pm when all family and friends can be assembled at Ott-Laughlin funeral home.
