Lily P. Kongslien, age 96 of Rhinelander, Monday, Oct. 1, 2018.  She was born July 6, 1922, in McNaughton to Rasmus “Ray” and Laurine Wolff.

She and her brother, Louis attended a one room school in McNaughton and later, Lily attended Rhinelander High School from which she graduated.  She then earned her teaching certificate from the Oneida County Normal School and taught grades one through eight in rural one room schools in McNaughton and Newbold.  Later in life, she would work as an administrative assistant with the State of Wisconsin Division of Health office in Rhinelander for over 25 years.

Lily married Oliver Kongslien Dec. 24, 1943, and together they raised their family of two children. Oliver preceded her in death on April 14, 1992.

She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 70 years where she had been very active in children’s programming through Sunday School, Children’s Church and the nursery.  She had also been part of the church’s visitation ministry making visits to members both home bound and in long term care facilities.

Lily was known to many Rhinelander residents as author of “Senior Forum” in the Our Town (later Star Journal) and the “Historically Speaking” column in the Hodag Shopper (later Buyer’s Guide), writing in both publications for many years.

Among her many involvements, Lily was a member of the Rhinelander Area Retired Educators group, had life membership in the Rhinelander Historical Society, was past president of AARP Chapter 1076, and had served as treasurer of CCC Chapter 23.  She was a longtime volunteer and coordinator at the Pioneer Park Historical Museum’s Rural School and CCC Building.

For over 25 years, Lily was a tireless volunteer with Tri-County Council on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault where she staffed the office and provided coverage for the group’s shelter and crisis hotline. Tri County named their new shelter “Lily’s House” in recognition of her years of service on behalf of women and families facing the challenges associated with abuse and assault.

Her hobbies included craftwork of all kinds, creating many Christmas ornaments and crocheted items for family and friends over the years. Lily also enjoyed her extensive button collection, her “knick knack” keepsakes, and tending and caring for her house plants, yard and outdoor flower garden.

Lily also loved spending time with family and friends as well as caring for and enjoying the company of her great grandson, Justin who was her pride and joy.  Lily considered herself richly blessed over the 96 years God gave her and she will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Lily is survived by her two children, Duane (Dianne) Kongslien of Rhinelander and Lorraine (Terry) Sackett of Rhinelander; her granddaughter, LoraLee (Jim) Jensen; great-grandson, Justin Huber; Dianne’s children, Kara and Dana and grandchildren, Michael, Megan, Alek, Maya and Liam; and Terry’s son, Stephen and grandchildren, Cameron and Brianna.

In addition to her husband, Oliver, she was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Louis J. Wolff in 2003.

The funeral service for Lily will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 5, at the Carlson Funeral Home with Revs. Rod Ankrom and John Palutke officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Friday at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Northland Memorial Park.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial will be established in Lily’s name for the benefit of “Lily’s House” through Tri County and contributions may be directed in care of her family.  (Carlson Funeral Home)