Audrey E Riley

Audrey Hannestad Gillam Riley, 83, Stillwater, MN, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 8, 2019, surrounded by her children. Audrey was born on Sept 14, 1935 in Sioux Falls, SD, to Gus and Mabel Arneson, attended Fargo Oak Grove High School. She married Donald Hannestad in 1953. Audrey raised four children in Fargo and married John Gillam in 1970. They spent many summers in Detroit Lakes, MN on Lake Melissa. John Gillam passed away on July 3rd, 1981. Audrey married Jack Riley in Red Lodge, Montana in 1990. Jack Riley passed away on March 2nd, 2007. Audrey was pre-deceased by her three husbands; daughter, Marsha Hannestad; brother, Norel Arneson; and step son, Stephen Gillam. Audrey’s memory and loving spirit will be kept alive by her children, Randi Weaver, Minnetonka, MN; Rick Hannestad, Fargo, ND; Cindy (Mark) Fretland, Edina, MN; and Linda (Jim) Heggestuen, Stillwater, MN; her beloved grandchildren, Eric and Nicole Fretland, and Alison and Anna Heggestuen; her sister, Suzanne (Norm) Edwards, Zumbrota, MN; her half sisters, Lois Klobuchar and Arlet Johnson; and her special friend and companion, Roger Milos. Audrey’s step families and nieces and nephews are also mourning her loss and missing her love. Audrey enjoyed life and she lived a good one. From Fargo to Lake Melissa to Florida to Arizona to Montana, Audrey had an adventurous spirit, a twinkle in her eye, a beautiful smile and always saw the best in people. She loved her family, parties, dining out, boat rides, many dogs, (her last dog Jigger), and watching sunsets from her hot tub. The world is a better place because of Audrey Riley. Memorials preferred to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Audrey will be planned for this summer.

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