Lillian Orzechowski

Lillian (Gabrus) Orzechowski of Iola, Kansas, passed away on February 26, 2026, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 97.

For many years, the children at the former Lincoln Elementary in Iola had Lillian as their beloved lunch lady. She retired from serving students in 2014.

A dedicated member of St. John's Catholic Church, she served in numerous capacities over the years. When not serving the school or the church, she could be found at exercise class or busy with many sewing or knitting projects.

Lillian was born born on October 15, 1928, in Ogrodniki, Poland, daughter of Aleksandra (Olga) Baldowska and Kazimierz Gabrus. During WWII and the subsequent occupation of Poland, Lillian was sent to Germany where she worked in a forced labor camp. Upon liberation, she was placed in a displaced person camp where she met her future husband, Ted.

Lillian and Ted wed in Paderborn, Germany, February 16, 1946. They immigrated to the United States in 1949, settling in Chicago. Though Lillian loved her life among family and friends in Chicago, a job change in 1975 brought them to the city of Iola, Kansas, where she and Ted lived out their days.

Lillian is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings and her dear husband Ted.

She is survived by her daughter Krystina Reese of Independence, Missouri; her son Wesley Orzechowski of Iola, Kansas; her granddaughter Kassandra Smith (Randy Smith) of Houston, Texas; and great-granddaughters Erin and Lilyanne. She was aunt and great aunt to family across Poland, Canada and the United Kingdom.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., in The Venue at Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas.

A Rosary will be recited at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 3, 2026, at St. John Catholic Church, Iola, Kansas, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow the Mass in Highland Cemetery, Iola, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials may be made to ACARF (Allen County Animal Rescue Facility) https://www.acarf.org/ or ACARF, 305 E. Highway 54, LaHarpe, KS 66751 or a charity of your choice. Memorials may also be mailed to Feuerborn Family Funeral Service, 1883 US Highway 54, Iola, Kansas 66749.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.feuerbornfuneral.com.