Lillian Talge

Lillian Talge, age 102, from Erskine, MN passed away on Monday, February 7th at the Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 12th at Grace Lutheran Church in Erskine with Rev. Timothy Lundeen officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery, rural Erskine in the spring. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Erskine and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com.Lillian Cecelia Erickson was born on August 25, 1908, in Trail, MN, to Edward and Alina (Foss) Erickson. She was baptized and confirmed at Sand Valley Lutheran Church in Trail. Lillian attended school in Trail through the tenth grade. Because the Trail School did not offer grades 11 and 12, she then lived in McIntosh, MN with her grandparents, Severt and Cari Erickson, and graduated from McIntosh High School in 1926. After high school Lillian continued her education at MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis. Upon her graduation from MacPhail, she returned to northwestern Minnesota where she began her music teaching career.Lillian married Bloyd Talge of Gonvick, MN, on September 18, 1938. They made their home in Erskine, MN. While Bloyd served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, Lillian lived in Bemidji. After the war Bloyd and Lillian returned to their home in Erskine.Throughout the years Lillian taught piano to hundreds of students in schools in Gonvick, Clearbrook, Trail, Oklee, Winger, McIntosh, and Erskine. Several evenings during the week at her home students from surrounding areas could be found on the "piano bench." Because of her love for music, Lillian accompanied soloists, duets, trios, quartets and choirs in schools and churches. On weekend evenings the Talge home was filled with music as area musicians gathered there to join B.J. with his banjo and Lillian with her piano or accordion.Many will remember Lillian Talge and Blanch Amoth playing "double pianos" for commencements at Erskine High School. They also played together on the piano and organ for Easter and Christmas at Grace Lutheran Church. Lillian was very active in the community and Grace Lutheran Church. She was a charter member of the Women's Federated Study Club of Erskine, and also belonged to Homemakers Club, Mission Circle, Ladies Aid, and was a Sunday School teacher.Lillian was recognized by the Erskine community in 2008 as the "Grand Marshall" of the All School Reunion. She felt honored and humbled as the alumni sang Happy Birthday to her during the welcoming ceremony. Lillian celebrated her 100th birthday that summer.Lillian was also honored on July 4, 2010, as "Grand Marshall" and "The First Lady of Trail" in her beloved hometown during their 100th year celebration of the arrival of the railroad. Lillian was 102-older than the railroad!Lillian was an avid reader. Other interests included music, knitting, crocheting, camping, walking, fishing, and spending time with her grandchildren.At the age of 97 years, Lillian moved from her home to Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine and quickly became part of the Pioneer "family." Lillian enjoyed the excellent care provided by the compassionate and loving staff. On Monday, February, 7, 2011 Lillian passed away at Pioneer at the age of 102 years, five months, and 13 days.Lillian is survived by her daughter, Judy (Brent) Running of Deerwood, MN, her son, Duane (Lilla) Talge of Moorhead, MN, daughter-in-law, Paulette (Roger) Moe of Erskine, grandsons, Darren (Lynn) Bushinger of Cushing, MN, Daniel (Theresa) Bushinger of Coon Rapids, MN, Josh (Maureen) Talge of Cincinnati, OH, and Jordan (Karen) Talge of Seattle, WA, and great grandchildren, Tyler B.J., Jack, Alina, and Molly Bushinger, and nieces and nephews.Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Bloyd, son David, twin infant sons Blake and Bruce, sister Edna Kankel, and brothers Lloyd and Clifford Erickson.