Lillian Ramsland Reinertsen, age 94, resident of Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, Rockford, Illinois, and formerly of Wheaton, Illinois, went to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, October 28, 2023

Lil's first love was for her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who she faithfully served since childhood.

Lil was born March 3, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, to Ellen and Arne Andreasen.

Lil's father passed away when she was 5 years old, and she and her mother moved a few years later to New Jersey to be near Lil's aunt, Tante Bet. When she was 8, her mother married Dan Pedersen and she gained two sisters, Doris Tallaksen and Marie Wik. After Dan Pedersen passed away many years later, her mother married Magnus Moll, and Lil gained two more siblings, Ginny Mosvold and Magnus Moll Jr.

Lil graduated from high school in West Orange, NJ, attended Trinity Seminary and Bible Institute in Minnesota, and then married August Ramsland in 1950. Together they served as missionaries for almost 10 years in Portugal with TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission). David and Ellen were born in Portugal.

When Augie became very ill, they returned to the United States for his surgery and lengthy recovery. He was able to join the Publications Department of TEAM, serving there until his retirement. Augie passed away at age 71 in 1998.

When in the US, Lil returned to college, earned her teaching degree, and subsequently her Master's Degree in Education Leadership.

In 2004 Lil married Erling Reinertsen, who she had known as a child when they were the flower girl and ring bearer in Erling's sister's wedding. They were married for 19 years before Erling passed away in June of 2023.

Lil loved teaching kindergarten and first grade for 23 years. And she deeply loved her family and so many friends. She was known for her hospitality, wonderful meals, organizing the first Ramsland Reunion, and keeping in contact with so many (you should have seen her Christmas Card list!).

Lil is loved by so many people. Lil was known as Nana to her family, as well as many other of her own grandchildren's friends. "What shall we call her?"  "Call her Nana."  The many sweaters that she knitted have labels stating Made with Love by Nana. And some of those sweaters are still found on her great grandchildren's dolls. Grandchildren will remember the trip she took them on to Norway or Portugal. Many benefited from her wisdom, and knew she would pray for them. Her grandson described her as the kindest person he has ever known. Her granddaughter said she is grateful to God for His gift of Lillian Andreasen Ramsland Reinertsen.

She is survived by:

Children David (Marcia) Ramsland of San Diego, CA, Ellen (Stephen) Erickson of Grand Rapids, MI, adopted son Tom (Debbie) Kepka of Wheaton, IL

Grandchildren Christy (Brian) Reichenbach, Lisa (Kyle) Bonenberger, Mark (Marissa) Ramsland, Jill Erickson, Tim (Natalie) Erickson, Erin Kepka, Adam Kepka

Children of Erling Reinertsen, Chuck Reinertsen, Rick (Carol) Reinertsen, Jeff (Cindy) Reinertsen with 8 grandchildren

Lil was blessed with 18 great-grandchildren all together.

Stepsister Ginny Mosvold

She was preceded in death by her son, Roger Alan, first husband August Ramsland, second husband Erling Reinertsen, and her stepsisters Doris Tallaksen and Marie Wik and stepbrother Magnus Moll Jr.

A memorial service will be held at Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, 3470 N Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61114 on Friday, November 17 at 2:00pm. Interment at Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, IL on Saturday November 18.

In memory of Lillian Ramsland Reinertsen, contributions may be directed to Fairhaven Christian Retirement Center, 3470 N Alpine Rd, Rockford, IL 61114, or TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission), PO Box 1683, Carol Stream, IL 60132.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com.  For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.