Clothilda “Tillie” Ida Lestina, 85, Monona, Iowa, died Saturday, February 23, 2019, at the Elkader Care Center, Elkader Iowa. Tillie was born on March 23, 1933 to Serenus and Silveria (Nieland) Eilers.
Tillie was united in marriage on October 4, 1955 to Donald J. Lestina, at St Joseph Catholic Church in Garnavillo, Iowa. Two daughters were born to this union, Connie and Pauline. Tillie worked for Wilkes/Moore’s grocery store for twenty-nine years in the produce department. She enjoyed spending weekends at the trailer in Harpers Ferry, fishing and playing cards with her husband, family, and friends. Tillie out fished Donald a good share of the time, on the shore or in their boat. She liked embroidering, knitting, and gardening. One of her green thumbs specialties were geraniums.
Survivors are her two daughters, Connie (Douglas) Schlein of Monona, Iowa and Pauline (Dennis) Dettmann of Watson, Iowa; four grandchildren, Darin Schlein of Monona, Iowa, Candice Schlein of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Derek Dettmann of McGregor, Iowa and Stacy Dettmann of Verona, Wisconsin; two sisters Mary (Ronald) Reimer of Garnavillo, Iowa and Judy (Gary) Knickerbocker of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin; two sisters in-law, Joyce Eilers of Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin and Corrine Eilers of Lacrosse, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Tillie was preceded in death by her husband, Donald J Lestina; her parents, Serenus & Silveria (Neiland) Eilers; three brothers Cyril (Bud) Eilers, LaVem Eilers, Kenneth Eilers; two sisters, Cecelia Schmelzer and infant sister, Teresa.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Wednesday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa with Rev. Daniel Knipper as the Celebrant.
Interment will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Monona, Iowa.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Monona, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.