Lillian Dexter

Lillian Dexter, age 95, of Milbank, SD, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home Chapel in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Rev. Dr. DeVern Schwenn will officiate, and interment will be at Milbank City Cemetery.

The service will be livestreamed and recorded and will be viewable at the bottom of this page.

Lillian Alice (Pratt) Dexter was born on November 16, 1928, at the Ortonville Hospital to Ira and Lottie (Whiting) Pratt. The family lived in rural Grant County, SD, until Lillian was 11 years old, and the family moved to Ortonville, MN, where she continued her education.

On March 4, 1947, Lillian was united in marriage with Clifford Dexter while he was home on furlough from the United States Marine Corps. When Clifford was discharged in 1947, he and Lillian moved to Graceville, MN. While living in Graceville, Clifford and Lillian were blessed with their son, Ronald. The family relocated to Milbank, SD, where they continued to grow their family with three more children: Bruce, Doug, and Lisa. 

In her earlier years, Lillian worked at the Big Stone Canning Factory and later worked at the Korner Café in Ortonville. After starting a family, Lillian was a homemaker and was able to stay home and take care of her family while Clifford worked at Dakota Granite Company. 

Throughout her life, Lillian found great joy in the arts, particularly in music and crafts. She delighted in crocheting, needlepoint, ceramics, playing the organ, and often found enjoyment on the dance floor.

Lillian is survived by her three children: Bruce (Ginger) Dexter of Willmar, MN; Doug (Ardelle) Dexter of Milbank, SD; and Lisa (Mike) Robison of Sioux Falls, SD; seven grandchildren: Rhonda, Trenton, Tiffany, Brandon, Ryan, Brooks, and Hannah; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Clifford; son, Ronald; her parents; two brothers; and two sisters.