Lily Marie LaBlanc, age 85, passed away peacefully at home on January 19, 2026 surrounded by family.

Lily was born July 30, 1940 to Irvin and Helene Rhodes. She grew up in a log cabin her grandfather built. She attended a few country schools in grade school and then attended high school at Prairie Farm and finally Barron High School.

During a high school football game, she met the man she would eventually marry. She married Larry LaBlanc on September 26, 1959 at Nye Scandinavian Church. Over the years, they lived in many houses until buying a home outside of Almena in 1972. There they raised their 5 children.

Lily enjoyed gardening and planting flowers. She also enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in performances and sporting events. She loved searching for agates and four-leaf clovers. She was known for her beautiful smile and her contagious laugh.

She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and sat on the church counsel and was part of the Ladies WELCA community.

Lily is survived by her daughters, Roxy (Todd Hunt) LaBlanc and Becky (Randy) Burdick; sons, Glenn (Darcy) LaBlanc, Michael (Jolese) LaBlanc and Dale (Ava) LaBlanc; 11 grandchildren and 7 step-grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; brothers, Carl Rhodes and Don (Jolyne) Rhodes; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin and Helene; husband, Larry; sister, Idell (Alvin) Olson; and sister-in-law, Janice Rhodes.

A special thanks to the team from Adoray for all they have done for our mother and our family. A special thank you to Becca, Teresa and Jen.

A funeral service for Lily will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church of Arland. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Independent Cemetery in the Town of Arland.

Last Update: Jan 22, 2026 10:15 am CST