Ileine May DeVries

About Ileine

Ileine M DeVries, 92, of Bemidji died peacefully Monday, September 11th, 2023, surrounded by family at Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji.

Ileine was born on Labor Day September 7, 1931, in Bemidji MN to Charles and Margaret Beliveau, the third of six children. Ileine grew up on Irvine Avenue with her parents and siblings Lorraine, Mildred, Yvonne, Sharon, and Elroy. As a child Ileine loved school, figure skating, going to the movies, and spending time with family at her grandparents’ farm in Puposky, MN.

Ileine married the love of her life Russel DeVries on September 10, 1949. They lived in a home built by Russel in Nymore before moving to the Carr Lake area in 1966. Ileine and Russel shared a beautiful life together with their children on the farm raising Simmental Cattle, dancing, gardening, and traveling with friends and family.

Ileine was a skilled bowler and enjoyed traveling with her bowling buddies. She also enjoyed Bingo with girlfriends and her lucky pennies often did the trick. She always had a healthy garden, and her grandchildren have fond memories of sharing a carrot or radish freshly rinsed at the water pump.

When Ileine’s first great-grandchild was born, she became affectionately known as Granny. She would sew sweet blankets and pillows for little ones born into the family. Christmas was a special time that she celebrated with swimming pool handstands, hot tubs, hayrides, DeVries gift exchange, Chevy Chase’s Christmas Vacation, delicious meals, and endless laughter.

Ileine was an accomplished teller of jokes and often picked up fresh material from her years volunteering at the Senior Center. She was a friend to all and never met a stranger. She was intelligent, hard-working, and fearless. She always had a story and laugh to share, gave her love unselfishly, and was a true optimist.

Ileine is survived by her children Bradley (Teresa) DeVries of Cohasset, Shelly Anderson of Bagley, and Jansie (Wayne) Lenius of Grand Rapids, grandchildren Jessica (Damen) Cornell, Jennifer (Andrew) Monge, Elizabeth (David) Koepp, Angela (Justin) Tobeck, Nicholas (Jill) DeVries, Chisholm (Rachel) Anderson, Cody Anderson, John (Heather) DeVries, Chase (Tiffany) Anderson, William (Brynden) Lenius, and Hannah (Steven) Chesness, 29 great grandchildren and special friend Arlan Johnson.

Ileine was predeceased by her husband Russel DeVries, sons Rusty DeVries, Randy DeVries, son-in-law Randy Anderson, her parents, and siblings.

memorial service

A private celebration of Ileine’s life will take place at their family farm. Interment to be held at the Greenwood cemetery at a later date.

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Cease Family Funeral Home