Jon Lillemoe

Jon Lillemoe, of Las Vegas, NV and formerly of Montevideo, MN, died Tuesday, April 3, 2007 from chronic mylomonocytic leukemia, at Mountain View Hospital in Las Vegas at the age of 62.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 12, 2007 at 3:00 P.M. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Montevideo.  Rev. Donald S. McKee will officiate and burial will be at Sunset Memorial Cemetery.

Jon was born on January 9, 1945, to Oswald C. and Mary Margaret (Britton) Lillemoe in Aberdeen, SD. He was raised in Montevideo, MN and was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, where he sang his first solo at the age of 10. Blessed with a beautiful voice, he sang at many weddings, church services and funerals throughout his early years. He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1963, where he played football and wrestled. He also played the saxophone in the band and was the school’s first Drum Major. Between 1963 and 1981, he attended Dana College, Southwest State University, Bemidji State University, and the University of Minnesota, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Masters of Science degree in Counseling, as well as completing extensive doctoral work in Educational Administration. He was married to Barbara Olson for 23 years and they adopted their daughter in 1975. After devoting 15 years to his passion for education as a social studies teacher, guidance counselor, and assistant principal, he turned his attention to his other passion, music. He created his own production company and released a solo album of gospel music, titled “Step into the Water”. He toured the country successfully for 2 years, performing in six states and appearing on television and radio stations. Jon moved to Las Vegas in 1988, where he began a successful career in guest services. After working in entertainment and guest services at the Golden Nugget Hotel, he transferred to the Mirage, Inc. with the opening of its newest luxury hotel. He was highly respected by his co-workers and was nominated for employee of the month multiple times. Jon lived in Las Vegas with his wife of five years, Jayne. He continued to pursue his talents in music and the arts, and cherished his time with family and friends.

Jon is survived by his wife, Jayne Carr of Las Vegas, NV; one daughter, Heather (Michael) Lillemoe-Powell of Baltimore, MD; three stepchildren: John (Ann) Carr of Waunakee, WI, Jay (Jill) Carr of Moline, IL, and Jana (Matt) Carr-Weerts of Rosemont, MN; mother, Mary Margaret (George) Thiel of Montevideo, MN; one brother, Raleigh (Cathie) Lillemoe of Alexandria, MN and Sedona, AZ; five step-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and many friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his father, Oswald C. Lillemoe and his four grandparents.