Oconto County WIGenWeb Project

Lillian “Lil” Belongia, 91, Lena, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, August 12, 2013. She was born on October 27, 1921 to Anna and Elmer Kosnar. Lil graduated from Lena High School in 1939. She married Ernest “Eli” Belongia on October 8, 1942 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Lena. He preceded her in death on March 1, 2006. Lil worked at the Postal Service in Lena, the Cashway Grocery Store and the Bloodmobile. Together, Lil and Eli owned and operated the Belongia Hotel and Bar, Lena, until retiring in 1977. Lil was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary for many years; she also was a past member of the Altar Society. She loved watching the Brewers and in fact, could tell you the stats for each Brewer player. Other things she enjoyed watching were the Packers; in fact, she attended the very first Super Bowl. She loved playing cards and was in a weekly card club. In years past, she also enjoyed bowling. She loved to go watch all her grandsons sporting events, but she especially loved to watch them play baseball. Most recently, she really enjoyed spending time with her great-grandchildren. She is survived by son, Larry Belongia, Lena; daughter Bonnie (Wayne “Ferd”) Shallow, Lena; grandsons, Jon, Mark (Jackie), Richard (Jennifer), Joseph (Michelle) Shallow; great-grandsons, Logan, Tyler, and Hunter Eli Shallow; step-great-grandchildren, Makayla Saindon and Levi Liebergen, all of Lena. Brothers, Allen Kosnar of Lena; Roman (Dorothy) Kosnar of Green Bay; many nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Eli and her parents. The pallbearers are Jon Shallow, Mark Shallow, Rich Shallow, Joe Shallow, Steve Kosnar, and Mark Janus. Friends may call 4-8 PM Friday at Rhodes-Charapata Funeral Home, Lena. 7 PM Parish Wake Service. Visitation will continue Saturday from 9-10:30 AM at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, Lena. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 AM Saturday, August 17, 2013 with Father Joseph Nsereko officiating. Internment will be at St. Charles Cemetery, Lena. Please visit www.rhodescharapata.com to express online condolences. The family would like to express a special thanks to Sharpe Care, Community Memorial Hospital, Dr. Isaias Cupino and the Lena Primary Care Clinic, Father Celestine Byekwaso and Deacon Peter Gard for your generosity, care, and support.