Alta Marie Farlinger, 96, of Lyle, died at Good Samaritan Center in St. Ansgar on Friday afternoon, Feb. 25, 2011.

She was born Nov. 24, 1914, to Clyde C. and Orcelia (Culp) Dilling in Grand Meadow. She grew up in Albert Lea and married John Henry Farlinger on Jan. 10, 1935, in Northwood, Iowa. They made their home in the London area until 1943, when they moved to a farm near Lyle and St. Ansgar. John passed away on Feb. 11, 1979. Alta was a homemaker, farmwife, and was very involved in Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Lyle. She taught Sunday school, bible school and sang in the choir. She also held many offices in WELCA and mission circles. She spent much of her time with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to cook, travel and work in her flower garden. Alta went to the nursing home in October of 2007.

Survivors include one son, Earl (Marlene) Farlinger of St. Ansgar; four grandchildren, Craig (Pat) Farlinger of West Liberty, Iowa, Carlton (Lisa) Farlinger of St. Ansgar, Curtis (Lori) Farlinger of Sheridan, Wyo., Clinton (Amy) Farlinger of Cresco; eight great-grandchildren, Clare (Beth) LeMay, John (May) Farlinger, Caleb Farlinger, Marisa Farlinger, Melissa (Russell) Miller, Katie Farlinger, Amy Farlinger and Mark Farlinger; ten great-great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Pat Dilling of North Carolina, Alta (Norman) Joynes of Austin; brother-in-law, Clifford Medina of Florida; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; great-grandson, Lucas; nine brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 5, at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Lyle with Pastor Barbara Finley-Shea officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at Woodbury Cemetery, rural Lyle. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com. The family prefers memorials in lieu of flowers to donors choice.