It is with profound sadness and deep love that we announce the passing of Leonard "Len" Paul Lilyholm, 83, and Carol Marie Lilyholm (Rivers), 82, who tragically passed away on December 28th in a car accident while returning to Florida after spending much of the Summer and Fall with family and friends in Minnesota where they were lifelong residents and cherished members of the community. Together they built a life filled with joy, warmth, and kindness, opening their home and hearts to everyone they met. Their unwavering commitment and deep love for each other was matched only by their love for their cherished family and dear friends.

Len and Carol raised two daughters, Denise Callahan (Chris Callahan) and Gretchen Lilyholm, who will forever carry forward the values of love, resilience, and compassion instilled by their parents. Their legacy continues through their beloved grandsons, Andrew Callahan (Lily Callahan), James Callahan, and Brady Callahan, each of whom brought endless pride and joy to their lives. They are also survived by Carol's sister, Sherry Solmonson (Steve Solmonson), and their children Nathan Joiner, Tanis Hesser (Ben), Aimee Rapoport (Erik), and Dustin Solmonson (Sarah), Len's brother-in-law Wayne Meredith, and nieces Stacy Risch (Brian), and Kristin Darlison (Jon). Len and Carol are preceded in death by their beloved parents, Leonard L. Lilyholm, Florence Lilyholm Mikulak, George and Mildred Rivers, and Len's dear sister Joyce Meredith.

Married for an incredible 63 years, Len and Carol's love story was a testament to devotion, adventure, laughter, and unwavering partnership. They graduated from Robbinsdale High School, where their love story began. They continued their education together at the University of Minnesota where Len played ice hockey for the Golden Gophers and studied architecture. His renowned hockey career included playing for the U.S.A. National Team and the 1968 U.S.A. Olympic Hockey Team. Len was also a player/coach in Kitzbuehel, Austria, where he and Carol lived with their young girls for several years. Len also coached several junior and National teams. He played a key role in designing the St. Paul Civic Center, where he would later play professional hockey for the Minnesota Fighting Saints. Len had a lifelong, successful career in architecture, and played hockey until the very end. Carol taught English in her early career. She went on to get her master's degree in psychology and completed studies for her PhD, was instrumental in opening Minnesota's first charter school (Webster Magnet School), and partnered with Len as president of Lilyholm & Lilyholm, Inc., where as a team, they were key figures in several of St. Paul's historic renovation projects. Carol was passionate about building connections to help women and girls in developing countries which brought her to Cuba and Libya with the Delegation for Friendship Among Women. At the height of her career, Carol was honored by Governor Walter Mondale as one of the top businesswomen in Minnesota. Len and Carol's storied life together included their many years living in Minnesota (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Wayzata, Edina, Montrose), Kitzbuehel, Austria, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and for the past few decades as residents of Palm Beach, FL.

Their love and generosity touched countless lives, and their strong and enduring bond was an inspiration to all who knew them. Whether hosting gatherings for family and friends where Len would often cook his famous Wiener Schnitzel or fresh-caught Walleye, lending a helping hand, or sharing stories of their many adventures, Len and Carol brought light and laughter wherever they went.

While their presence will be deeply missed, Len and Carol left this world together with endless love for their daughters, family, and friends. Together in life and now for Eternity, they will remain forever in our hearts.

A celebration of their extraordinary lives will be held on Monday, May 5th at 10 am, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Minneapolis MN.