The second of three children born to Stanley and Lucille, nee Richter, Pawlak, Lillian lived on the southside of Chicago until her marriage on November 24, 1945, to Lieutenant Jacob “Jack” Ryseff. As Jack was finishing his service in the Army Air Corps, their last posting was at Scott Air Base. They stayed in Belleville and established Brite-Way Cleaners and Laundry in 1947.
Lillian was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Belleville. She belonged to Belleville Women’s Clubs, serving as treasurer for Belleville Junior Women’s Club, Belleville Senior Women’s Club, and the 22nd District Alumni Service Club. Lillian was an Illinois State Orator Contest winner, representing the Belleville Toastmistresses. She especially enjoyed the Belleville Elks Club. The Ryseffs never missed a Saturday night dance at the Elks Lodge #481.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob; her parents; and a grandson, Kurt Jacob Mueller.
Surviving are a son, Louis (Carolyn) Ryseff;
a daughter, Kristine (Lynwood) Mueller;
five grandchildren, Mary Mueller (Mary Spring Mueller), Dr. Lucy (Dr. Robert) Fischman, Mark (Vivianna) Mueller, James Ryseff, and Dr. Julia Ryseff (Lt. Zachary Wasserman);
five great-grandchildren, Miles Mueller, Aden Papier, Connie Mueller, Leo Mueller, and Sophia Mueller.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Paul’s Home for their care and kindness over the last four years.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Senior Community or to St. Paul United Church of Christ, Belleville, IL. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2018, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Pastor Herb Schafale officiating.
Burial will follow the service at Valhalla Gardens of Memory, Belleville, IL.