Arnie Lillo

Arnold (Arnie) Duane Lillo, age 83, passed away peacefully from this life into the arms of his Savior at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota on Christmas Day, 2021. Arnie was born to Maurice and Alma Lillo on August 20, 1938 in Hickory Township, Minnesota.
He was baptized and confirmed at Clearwater Church near Oklee, he attended Oklee HS. He married Janice Plante in 1958 and they were blessed with three children, Mark, Greg and Tammy.
He was employed by Bethany College, Schwickerts, Cuddy and MSU.  He taught several classes at Mankato Vo-Tec.
After retiring from MSU, Arnie began expanding on his love of metal art, creating a Jesse James Village, Crazy Horse exhibit, Omaha One Locomotive, 36 foot long rifle,  Cinderella Carriage, Noah's Ark replica and many more. He welcomed guests from all over the world that he would personally guide by his art displays.
In 2015, Arnie's wife Janice, was in hospice from cancer and Arnie proceeded to build a 45 foot tall Eiffel tower for her as Janice was of French heritage and had never seen it in person. Janice passed away the following February.
He also did art work for the Cities of New Ulm, St Peter, Fairmont, Good Thunder and many more. He made a large cross for Mount Olive Church, many cemetery entry arches in the area and signs for Clearwater Church at Oklee.
Arnie was an active member of St John's Lutheran Church in Good Thunder, Minnesota.
 Arnie was noted for his generous assistance to many friends, relatives and strangers.
Arnie is survived by his son Mark (Shelly) Lillo of Good Thunder, and daughter Tammy (Richard) Klahn of Foley, Alabama.
 Grandchildren Jeremiah Lillo, Jamie Lynn Hiniker, Cody Lillo and Nicole Larson, great grandchildren , Jonathan Hiniker, August and Amari Wilson.
 Brothers, James (JoAnn) of Watertown,Wi, Neil (Karen) of Mankato, , Ernest (Marge) of Eagle Lake, David (Susan) of San Tan Valley, Az, Gary (Joy) of Eagle River, AK and Sister in Law, Dorothy Lillo of Eau Claire,Wi, Aunt and Uncle Ardith and Harold Kessler of Bretz,WV. and Arlene Lillo of Bonduel, Wi. Many cousins, nieces and nephews. He will be missed by many neighbors and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Janice in 2016, son Greg in 2011, parents Maurice and Alma Lillo, brothers Milton, Eugene, and Roy.  They are having a heavenly reunion this Christmas.
The family especially want to thank the ICU Staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester for their loving care.

A private family graveside service will be held for Arnie at Woodland Hills Memorial Park.  A public Celebration of Arnie's Life is pending for the spring.  Online condolences may be left at woodlandhillsfh.com