Ila Jean Frisbie

Ila was determined to celebrate her 100th birthday with chocolate cake and wine and she did it. She was amazed and touched to be remembered by so many people sending wishes to help her celebrate.

Looking back on her 100 years of living…..

Ila was born and raised in Des Moines by loving parents George and Wandah (Thomas) Walker. Ila attended Drake University, graduating in 1946. It was there she met Charles Harold Frisbie (known as Friz). Ila and Friz were married July 5, 1947, and shared 72 years of life together. The newlyweds settled in Des Moines and the Frisbie family grew to include two sons and two daughters.

A job transfer for Friz brought the reluctant “big city girl” and family to Clear Lake in 1958. But from Day one Ila fell in love with the people and the place and became an enthusiastic member of the Clear Lake community. The Frisbie house on South Shore was a loving and lively home, a reflection of both Ila’s and Friz’s loving, outgoing personalities. It was a gathering place for family and friends (young and old) drawn in by the welcoming environment and always available homemade treats…..oatmeal cookies were an Ila specialty.

Ila spent many happy years working as a children’s librarian at the Clear Lake Public Library. She has been ever since recognized and remembered as “the Storytelling Lady”, even at age 100.

At age 83, Ila lovingly committed to raising her young grandson, Nick Frisbie. She credits those years with keeping her active, involved and feeling young.

Ila enjoyed gardening and reading. She loved nothing better than settling down with a good book and a bowl of freshly popped popcorn. Ila was a casual golfer in her younger years. Her golf games were about time with friends, time outdoors and then lunch out after the game. At age 79 she surprised herself (and the Golf Pro giving a lesson nearby) when she scored a hole-in-one at Oak Hills.

Ila is survived by daughter Diane (Bruce) Rich, Sacramento, Calif.; niece (considered a daughter) Nancy (Chuck) Conroy, Clear Lake; brother George, Palm Desert, Calif., seven grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren and several nieces.

Ila was preceded in death by her parents, husband Friz, sons Michael and David, daughter Jill, and brother Bob.

Special thanks and great appreciation go to the entire Oakwood Care Center Staff for the kindness and care given to Ila over the past five years. And to St. Croix Hospice nurses, aides and chaplains for their dedicated care for Ila.

To remember Ila, grab a book and a bowl of popcorn or remembrances may be made to the Clear Lake Public Library or St. Croix Hospice.