Lila Jane Coenen

Lila Jane Coenen was born September 13, 1957 to the late Nels and Agnes (Davis) Truelsen in Eldora, Iowa. She graduated from Central Webster in Burnside, Iowa with the class of 1974.

On August 22, 1987, Lila was untied in marriage to Randal Coenen in Dow City, Iowa. To this union, they raised five children together: Brian, Kristy, Russ, Ryan and Rachel.

Lila spent her life being flexible; she worked many jobs over the years and found joy in each and every one. After the birth of her last two children, she worked at a daycare. Later, she enjoyed her dream job of helping people with their photos at Walmart. She loved being able to help people, see their trips and the joy on their faces. She lived vicariously through the photos she developed and she truly saw the beauty of the world.

Her favorite place was always outside on the top of the hill at the farm. Lila loved reading in her swing, listening and watching the birds. She loved nightly fires where she could spend time reminiscing with friends and family. She also loved soaking in the pool with her grandchildren.

Lila enjoyed every holiday where family and friends could gather. She loved everyone and anyone was always welcome at her gatherings. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, even when she was suffering from pain, she would still find a way to the kids table to play board games or color with them. She loved the relationships she developed and she spent her last days writing notes and sending Christmas cards to her family and friends.

Lila passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 3, 2020 at her home in Arion attaining the age of sixty-three years, three months and twenty-one days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Lucas Shelton; siblings, Roger (Sharon) Truelsen, Elosie Wishmeyer and Gordon Truelsen.

She is survived by her husband, Randal Coenen; children, Brian (Kelsey) Shelton, Kristy (Josh) Anderson, Russ (Penni) Coenen, Ryan Coenen and Rachel (Nick) Newton; grandchildren, Alisha Olson, Madison Shelton, Triston Coenen, Jayden Shelton, Kia Coenen, Caleigh Anderson, Jett Shelton and Ember Shelton; one great-grandson, Jace Coenen; siblings, Eilene Hovik, Elaine Truelsen; Curt Truelsen and Wanda Truelsen; brother-in-law, Ed Wishmeyer; a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation is 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at the Huebner Funeral Home in Denison. Memorial Service is 10:30 AM on Thursday, January 7, 2021 also at the funeral home. Memorials may be directed to the family.

Per Lila’s wishes, her body has been donated to the University of Iowa.