Lillian "Lil" Greiner
Lillian Louise Greiner, 94, of Independence passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, November 15, 2023. Funeral services were held Tuesday, November 21 at St. John Catholic Church, Independence. Burial immediately followed at St. John Catholic Cemetery, Independence.
Visitation also began with the recitation of the Rosary Monday, November 20 at White Funeral Home, Independence, where public visitation continued and a parish vigil service was held. Visitation was also held for an hour before services Tuesday at the funeral home.
Lillian was born October 1, 1929 in New Vienna, the second of ten children born to Herman and Marie (Foxen) Schwers. Upon graduating eighth grade she continued working on the home farm and for others in the farming community.
Lillian married Elmer Greiner October 4, 1949 and together they raised eight children. They initially farmed near Luxemburg and eventually moved to Independence where Lillian worked for Corn Blossom Foods and later as a psychiatric aide and supervisor at the Mental Health Institute for 16 years.
Elmer was killed as a result of the KCRG tower collapse in 1973. After his death, Lillian moved to Harpers Ferry where she owned and operated the Harpers Valley Supper Club (aka “Lil’s”) for eight years. She very much enjoyed interacting with customers as well as spending time fishing on the Mississippi River.
She returned to Independence and to her home parish of St. John Catholic Church in 1989. In the subsequent years, Lillian was an active member of the Rosary Society, serving as president for 25 years, and was engaged in numerous improvement projects and events in and around the church. She was also manager of VFW Post #2440 for 13 years, officially and finally retiring at the age of 85.
Lillian continually gave of her time and talents. She was famous for her roast beef dinners, having served them at innumerable events around Independence. She was a regular blood donor to the American Red Cross. She spent countless hours creating beautiful quilts with the Sew-n-Sews church quilting club. In her idle time, of which there was little, Lillian enjoyed fishing, playing solitaire, yard work, crossword puzzles and spending time with her family.
Survivors include her children: Janice Hatt of La Crosse, WI; Fred (Laurie) of Boone; Jim (Rosie) of Henrico, NC; Dave (Sue) of Panora; Steve (Diana) of Mosinee, WI; LuAnn (Leslie Linser) of Madison, WI; and Ellen Manning (Chris Hansen) of Caledonia, MN; 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Germaine Theisen, Eileen Hellmann, Caroline Nachtman and Betty (Hal) Schulze; and her brothers, Elmer Schwers, Chuck (Donna) Schwers and Jim Schwers.
Lillian was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Elmer; her daughter, Judith (at birth); her son, Mark; her brothers, Lawrence and Merle; and her son-in-law, Vincent Hatt.
Lillian’s family wants to thank the nursing and medical staff of Allen Memorial Hospital and Cedar Valley Hospice, Waterloo.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be made to the family with charitable designations to be determined. Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com. White Funeral Home of Independence is in charge of arrangements.
