Debra Lilienthal

Debra Myra Lilienthal, age 74, of Willmar, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Prairie Senior Cottages in Willmar, MN.  A celebration of her life will be held from 2:00 - 5:00 PM on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Johnson-Hagglund Funeral Home in Litchfield, MN.  A prayer service will be held at 4:30 PM.  Burial will be held at a later date. 

Born on October 4, 1951, in Waconia, Minnesota, Debra was the daughter of Albert and Myra (Schumann) Lenzen. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Evangelical Reformed Church in Hamburg, MN. After graduating from Central High School in Norwood Young America in 1969, she ventured into various communities throughout Minnesota.

She raised her family in Glencoe and lived in Hutchinson and Litchfield before moving to Cass Lake where she lived for many years. She finally moved to Willmar where she was near to her siblings. Throughout her career, Debra showcased her talents as a cook, dedicating her expertise to restaurants, nursing homes, and care centers. She was proud of her children. She enjoyed gardening and her passion for cooking and baking was a way to share her love for others.

Debra is survived by her children, Peggy Beneke (and her special friend Scott) and Paul (Melissa) Lilienthal; siblings Douglas (Nancy) Lenzen, Dawn (Dennis) Beck and Darcy Schmitz; grandchildren, Britny, Garrett, Lauren, and Ella; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Albert and Myra, and her beloved dog Manny.