Ila LaBonna Montour, 87, of Shawano, passed away on Oct. 20, 2018, in Shawano. Born on Jan. 13, 1931, in the Town of Washington, Ila was the daughter of the late Herman and Rosetta (Rueckert) Marohl. On Aug. 16, 1952, she was united in marriage to the late Neil L. Montour at White Clay Lake Lutheran Church. Neil and Ila adored each other; they were devoted partners and took good care of each other. Ila’s legacy is the family she created with Neil, their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ila dearly loved her family; over the years, one of her favorite things was spending time with them and hearing about their lives.
Throughout her life, Ila spent much of her time creating a beautiful, inviting home. She loved the outdoors and appreciated the beauty of nature and the change of seasons. She enjoyed reading, caring for her plants and gardening. She was a champion Yahtzee player, cribbage player and horseshoe player. In her younger days, Ila loved to dance to the great tunes.
An important part of Ila’s life was being Neil’s partner during his career as a high school educator and coach. She was a terrific football coach’s wife and enjoyed the game of football. After Neil’s retirement in 1990, Neil and Ila very much enjoyed spending time at their property in White Lake. They loved fishing, boating and just being at the lake during the summer months. Neil and Ila had a great love for their beloved dogs over the years. They were dedicated Badgers and Packers fans.
Ila was also very proud of her heritage as the daughter of a farming family and had wonderful stories about growing up. Her experiences growing up on a farm made her strong. She looked up to her parents and was devoted to them.
Ila was a member of Zion Lutheran Church and lived in Shawano most of her life.
Ila is survived by her four children, Lynn (David) Retan, of Sun Prairie, Michael (Jeri) Montour, of Shawano, Tim (Ellen) Montour, of Menasha, and Lori (Alan) Pennock, of Marshall; seven grandchildren, Jim (Jill) Retan, Jessica Montour, Kelly (Jon) Jarosinski, Richie Montour, Neil (Calie) Montour, Angela (Jason) Gennaro, and Scott Pennock; and four great-grandchildren, Oscar Jarosinski, Genevieve Jarosinski, Benjamin Retan, and Samuel Retan. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marcia Buettner, and her brothers, Jim (Mary) Marohl and Steve (Deb) Marohl.
She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; her brother, Leroy Marohl; her sisters-in-law Darlene Marohl and Betty Pederson; her brothers-in-law, Jim Pedersen and Roger Buettner; her father-in-law, Reynolds Montour; her mother-in-law, Alvina Montour; and her grandson, Mic Montour.
The family would like to thank Ila’s ARCAngels caregivers and ThedaCare at Home Hospice for the support, care, and attention that was provided in the last months of her life.
Private family services are being held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shawano Humane Society.
Swedberg Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.