Lillian Cole Milberger was born January 12, 1924 in Bay City, Texas, to David William Cole and Lillian Lofton Cole. Just two days after her sixteenth birthday, Lillian Cole married FJ Milberger in 1940, a marriage that would last almost 70 years, until FJ's passing in 2009. On their Honeymoon Night, they made it as far as Wharton, Texas, spending the night in The Tee Pee Motel.
To this marriage were born four children - Mary Ellen, Wayne, Arthur, and Bryan.
Like many young married women, Lillian's husband went off to World War II, landing in Normandy, France on D-17. Meanwhile back in Bay City, Lillian was keeping busy with a newborn, knitting and selling homemade baby items to local merchants.
Lillian Cole Milberger always had a great entrepreneurial spirit, and upon FJ's return from the War, the couple partnered up and began what was to become one of the most successful sod farming operations in the United States. During the sod farm start-up, Lillian operated a caged-hen egg laying operation, while FJ worked full-time at the Texas Bulk Company, until they could purchase more land for their farms.
A devout Catholic, Lillian had a regular presence at Holy Cross Catholic Church, where she was a member of both The Catholic Daughters and The Altar Society. Lillian made sure all four of her children received a religious education, and sent each of her clan to Holy Cross Catholic School. In those days, the Fighting Eagles actually went through the 8th grade!
Lillian learned to cook from one of the best…Eleanor Knebel. They both cooked turkeys for the inaugural Turkey Church Dinner held at Holy Cross! Lifelong friends, Eleanor and her husband, George, also stood in as witnesses for Lillian and FJ's marriage ceremony. Many a Sunday feast was held at Lillian's home after church, and usually Father CJ Martin was front and center, as he could not resist her fine cooking! Generations later, albeit children or grandchildren, no one could step into Lillian's kitchen without her making you an overflowing plate (followed by seconds & thirds) of the daily feast prepared with pure love.
Although family and business were Lillian's chief passions, she and FJ did their share of socializing. This included some occasional dancing which they enjoyed, but they were also an impressive duo to watch! They also shared a love for a good game of 42 with friends.
Nearly seventy years of marriage built on love, church, and family created a wonderful life that touched many hearts and souls. Lillian possessed a beautiful soul and had one of the most generous hearts anywhere, as witnessed by countless friends, family, and employees. Everyone came first with Lillian, for a beautiful ninety plus years.
She is survived by her daughter: Mary Ellen Milberger of Bay City; her sons: Francis Wayne Milberger & wife Carol of Kerrville, Arthur Joseph Milberger & wife Sue of Bay City; and Bryan Michael Milberger & wife Theresa of Bay City; by her grandchildren: Kathryn Clare McMillan Peebles, Sara Christine Milberger Freudensprung, Michelle Nicole Milberger, Jeffrey Wayne Milberger, Regay Sue Milberger Hildreth, Lesley Nicole Milberger Shoaf, Whitney Francis Milberger-Laird, Rachel Michelle Milberger, Thomas Joseph Milberger. Ashley Lillian Milberger, Erin Davis and Daniel Davis; and by her great-grandchildren: Julia Marie Peebles, Taylor Leigh Peebles, John McMillan Peebles, David Scott Peebles, Audrey Sue Hildreth, James Arthur Hildreth, Cole Michael Shoaf, Eric Joseph Shoaf, Wyatt Arthur Laird, Jase Bryan Vivona, Abigail Grace Freudensprung, Audrey Lee Freudensprung; and by her sisters Annie Lee Jones and Dorothy Dietrich (Hadden); and by her brother Rosser Cole (Ada).
She was preceded in death by her husband: Francis Joseph (FJ) Milberger; her parents David William Cole and Lillian Lofton Cole; her sister Elizabeth Burkhardt; her brothers William Cole, Jenoye Cole, Jack Cole, John Cole, Waddie Cole, and David William Cole Jr.
The family will receive friends and relatives from 5PM until 7PM Sunday with a rosary being recited at 6:00 PM at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, October 13, 2014 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church with Rev. Greg Korenek officiating. Pallbearers will be: Roy Cole, Richard Rooth, Hadden Dietrich Jr., Arthur Lawrence, George Knebel Jr., Arthur "Ozzie" Arnold, Victor Barrea, and Travis Hicks; and Honorary Bearers will be: Cole Dietrich, Hadden Dietrich Sr., R.M Cole (Rosser), and James Svetlik.

Please make memorial donations in her name to Holy Cross School Foundation; PO Box 571; Bay City, TX 77404-0571. Any condolence messages may be sent to Mary Ellen Milberger; PO Box 469; Bay City, TXC 77404-0469 or by visiting www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home in Bay City. 979-245-4613.