Lillian A (DeRosia) Cikalo

Lillian DeRosia was born in Charlevoix, MI on August 15, 1921.   

She was the second oldest child.  Her older brother was Warren, her two younger sisters were Geraldine and Beverly.  Their family members were called by nicknames.  Warren was “Sonny.”   Lillian was “Dodo,” a nickname given because her older brother couldn’t say her name when he was young.  Geraldine’s nickname was “Cherry.”   And Beverly was known as “Bobby.”   Dodo or Dode, was a name that a lot of people knew her by.

She grew up in Lincoln Park, Michigan, near Detroit, as a young girl, she was active in a group called THE CAMPFIRE GIRLS.  Her family was highly involved with the VFW, holding different positions in that organization.

In 1939, she met and later married Peter Cikalo. Their three oldest children; Peter, Lillian, and Daniel, were born in the Detroit area and then they decided to move north, settling in Boyne City.  Shortly after that, their last child, Susan, was born. 

One of the most epic moments in Lillian’s life was when a minister in town told her about the love of God, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the offer of eternal life if she would repent and believe.  She gladly received that welcome news, and her life was significantly different past that point.

She spent most of her up north years working at home. She was a good wife and mother.  She was a seamstress, a good cook and baker.   Wherever she was needed, she was always willing to help others. 

Visitation will be held 5:00 to 8:00 PM Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at the Boyne City First Baptist Church.

A funeral service will be held 4:00 PM Thursday, at the church with visitation being held from 3:00 PM until the time of service.

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