Belen Rillo

Belen Rillo, age 83, of Willmar, a loving wife, mother, grandmother passed away Saturday morning, May 31, at Copperleaf Senior Living Community.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 6, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar. Interment will be at St. Marys Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Friday, just prior to the service at the church. Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com
Belen was born in San Miguel, Bulacan, Philippines to Gregorio (Tatang) and Purificacion (Ima) Trajano on December 19, 1930. She was the 7th of 10 children and grew up during the occupation of the Philippines during WWII. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Santo Tomas in 1951. Encouraged by her sister, Gregoria, Belen came to the US in 1956 to continue her studies at the University of MN and completed training as a medical technician. While in Minneapolis, she met the love of her life, Dr. Antonio Rillo, and they wed on September 5, 1959.
Tony and Belen returned to the Philippines in 1961 where she ran a small pharmacy. Seeking to provide even more opportunities for their children, they decided to return to America in 1965 and settled in Wahpeton, ND where they raised their family. During their years in Wahpeton, Belen was active in many clubs, organizations and activities in addition to being a full-time mom. She owned and ran a gift shop (Prairie Galleries) for many years, then went on to be co-owner and manager of a Chinese restaurant in Fergus Falls, MN.
As Tonys practice transitioned through clinics in Hankinson, Ellendale and Linton, ND - Belen was successful in several other careers, including working as a medical technician, a Mary Kay consultant and even owning a Travel Agency. Upon retirement in 1999, they moved to Willmar, MN to be close to family.
Belen was a loving and caring wife, mother and grandmother. Her family was her passion and she made it a point to be present at every event involving her children and grandchildren. She was a devout Catholic. She had a passion for music, dance, reading, mahjong, and travel and was well known by many for her delicious egg rolls, flan, pancit and butterfly shrimp. She also had quite a sweet tooth!
Belen is survived by three children, Arnel Rillo (and Lisa) of St. Louis Park, Dr. Amy Ellingson (and Jim) of Willmar, and Dr. Art Rillo (and Billie) of Granite Falls; ten grandchildren, Lana (Dan), Alexandra, Victoria, Antonio, Emily, Isaac, Erica, Chandler, Benjamin and Nicole, and two great-grandchildren Garrett and Jacqueline. She is also survived by her brother Generoso (and Nemia) Trajano, sisters-in-law Leonora, Nora and Nelia Trajano. Rosario Luistro, Virginia Rillo and many nieces and nephews and their families.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years (Tony), her siblings Rosario, Natividad, Pilar, Purita, Gregoria, Godofredo, Peter and Lorenzo.

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