Vigen Memorial Home obituary - Lil E. Vermillion, 97, Keokuk

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Lil E. Vermillion, 97, of Keokuk, IA, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, August 12, 2021

She was born on March 6, 1924 in Keokuk, IA, the daughter of William and Ethel Iler Buerklin. On June 8, 1954, Lil was united in marriage to George L. Vermillion, Jr. in Quincy, IL. He survives.

     She is also survived by her son, George Vermillion III and his wife Kancy of Nicollet, MN, her daughter, Peggy Vermillion of Keokuk, four grandchildren, Adam Vermillion and his wife Sarah of Eldridge, IA, Christopher Vermillion and his wife Leslie of North Mankato, MN, Dan Workman and his wife Lacey of Donnellson, IA, and Hailey Workman of Des Moines, IA, seven great-grandchildren, Quinn Vermillion and Zach Vermillion both of North Mankato, Gracie Vermillion, Scarlett Young, Elora Young and Ender Young all of Eldridge  and Wyatt “W.O.W.” Workman of Donnellson, four sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter at birth, Elizabeth, her brothers and sisters, Onita Stoeber, Theordore “Ike” Buerklin, Carl Buerklin, Lawrence “Oak” Buerklin, Dorothy “Dot” Wardwell, Don Buerklin, Marie Peterson, Robert Buerklin and Dewey Buerklin, and a cherished niece, Patty Poland

     Lil was a member of St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk and a lifetime member of Weight Watchers.

     Lil played softball in her younger years and throughout her lifetime was a very talented bowler.  She bowled on several Women’s Leagues and participated in several state and national bowling tournaments. She held the record for the highest women’s series score of 675 for many years.  Lil was honored to be inducted into the Keokuk Women’s Bowling Association Hall of Fame.  She was an avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and never missed an opportunity to watch a game and cheer them on.

     Lil was a wonderful baker and candy maker and was famous for her homemade turtle candy.  She often made treats for the managers and staff at local banks and HyVee.  The manager at HyVee enjoyed her rice crispy treats so much that he asked for her recipe and proceeded to have them made and sold at HyVee under the name, The Million Bar.  Lil loved to make afgans and one year made forty-five afgans to give to her bowling friends.   For fun, Lil enjoyed going to the casinos and trying her luck with scratch off lottery tickets.  She was lucky enough once to have a winning $3,000 ticket.

   Lil was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and her greatest joy in life was spending time with her family.

     A memorial service will be held at 1:30, p.m., Friday, August 27, 2021 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with Reverend Milo Van Veldhuizen officiating.  Burial will be in the Keokuk National Cemetery.

     Visitation will be held after 1 p.m., Thursday, August 26 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk with the family meeting with friends from 5 – 8 p.m.

     Memorials may be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Keokuk or the Shriner Children’s Hospital.    

     Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com

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