Lilas E. Kuehl (nee Groth), 83, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 30, 2011, at the Samaritan Health Center.

Lilas was born on Aug. 7, 1927 in the town of Herman to Edward and Fannie (nee Polster) Groth. She was baptized on Aug. 28, 1927 by Pastor Julius Uhlmann and confirmed on Sept. 29, 1940 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church by Pastor Herman Cares. Lilas married Milton Kuehl on Oct. 4, 1947, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac.

Lilas was a talented seamstress and displayed her skills at Enger-Kress, Amity, and most recently the Clothes Clinic when she retired at the age of 62. Lilas was a member of Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church for nearly 50 years. Lilas and Milton enjoyed traveling after their retirement including many trips to Branson, Mo. She, most of all, enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Lilas is survived by her husband of 63 years Milton; daughter Kathy (Mark) Mertes; grandson Stephen (Krista); and granddaughter Rebecca. She is further survived by her brother Edward (Loretta) Groth; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Lilas is preceded in death by her parents; brother Roland (Lillian) Groth; and sister Myrtle (Fred) Falkenstein.

A funeral service for Lilas will be at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011 at Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church, 777 S. Indiana Ave., in West Bend with the Revs. Robert Hein and Richard Lauersdorf presiding.

Visitation will be at the church only from 3 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2011. Entombment will take place at Washington County Memorial Park. Memorials are appreciated to either Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran Church or Kettle Moraine Lutheran High School, 3399 Division Rd., Jackson, WI 53037.

The family wishes to extend a special "thank you" to the nurses and staff of both Samaritan Health Center and Heartland Hospice for their care and compassion for Lilas.
 
The Phillip Funeral Home of West Bend is assisting the family (262) 338-2050 or www.phillipfuneralhome.com.