Tillian Myrtle Minke, age 89, of Cook, MN, died Friday, May 15, 2009, in the Cook Nursing Home. She was born June 3, 1919, in Ormsby, MN, the daughter of Charles and Anna (Hammer) Martinson. A private service will be held.
Tillian attended school in Bear River and married Merle M. Bystrom on December 13, 1944, in New Orleans, LA. Tillian traveled the United States during World War II and worked as a riveter in San Diego, CA, while Merle served in the Navy. After the war, Tillian and Merle Bystrom resided in Tower, Baudette, and Cook, MN, where Merle served as a refuge patrolman and game warden until his death in 1962.
Tillian married Rueben W. Minke on October 30, 1971, and resided at Side Lake, MN.
She enjoyed fishing off the dock on Lake Vermilion, socializing with her family and friends, shopping, and watching the Vikings. Tillian will be remembered by many for her quick wit and humor.
Tillian is survived by her son, Chuck (LeeAnn) Bystrom of Tower, MN, and their daughters, Ashley Bystrom (Fiancé, Scott Poyser) of Eden Prairie, MN, Katelyn Bystrom, and Becky Bystrom; as well as by son-in-law Michael Amundson of Angora, MN, and his children Darren (Bonnie) Amundson of Austin, TX, Michele (Bret) Walters and their children, Michael, Britany, and Brandon Walters, of Big Lake, AK, and Derek Amundson, Austin, TX; and two brothers, Manley Martinson of Cook, MN, and William (Lois) Martinson of Duluth, MN.
Tillian was preceded in death by husbands, Merle M. Bystrom and Rueben W. Minke; her daughter, Pamela Amundson; and her three sisters.
Family services are provided by Bauman-Vermilion, a Bauman Family Funeral Home, in Tower. To leave remembrances of Tillian online, please see www.baumanfuneralhome.com.

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