Ila Mae Bulow

Ila Mae Bulow, born on February 26, 1932, in Nance County, Nebraska, to parents Oscar Tschudin and Ella Schoening, passed away Wednesday, January 17, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at her assisted living home in Lincoln, Nebraska. Ila and her family were long-time residents of Grand Island. She was born into a family of hard-working farmers near Cedar Rapids, Nebraska, and was the youngest sibling to Arlow Tschudin, Evelyn Farmer, and Velma Krings. Her early life on the farm instilled a strong sense of community and family values.

Ila's passion for music blossomed early, and she became known for her beautiful singing voice. She graced many occasions with her talent, performing solos at numerous weddings and community events.

Her life took a joyful turn working at Peony Park in Omaha. She performed with Omaha choirs and even danced with Lawrence Welk. It was here that she met Harry Bulow, the love of her life and they were married on August 29, 1953. Together, they lived in Carter Lake, traveled back to Harry’s home in Denmark for a year, then Nebraska City, and eventually settled in Grand Island where they raised their three children, Linda, Bryan, and Randy. Ila and her family attended and were active in St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir and volunteered. Over the years, they labored on various entrepreneurial ventures, including operating a restaurant for 18 years under the name Jan Drake’s Garden Cafe, and later The Royal House of Spaghetti. They owned and managed apartments and townhomes in Grand Island under the “Royal” banner for over 40 years. Earlier in her career, Ila worked at Grand Island Grain and The Weekly Shopper

Ila's role as a mother and grandmother was one she cherished deeply, and she imbued her family with love, warmth, and the joy of music, and her husband’s Danish culture.  She was always happy to share with others one of her drawings or teach them a little bit of Danish. Ila is survived by her 3 children: Linda Wilson (Scott) of Grand Island, Bryan Bulow (Barb) of Lincoln, and Randy Bulow (Sara) of Superior, Colorado; 11 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Lilli. 

Ila Mae Bulow's life was a beautiful melody of love, dedication, and service. She will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, quick wit, radiant smile, and unwavering devotion to her family. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

The family will honor Ila's life in a service at Apfel Funeral Home at 11:00am on Monday, January 22nd. Visitation will start at 10:30 A.M. until the time of the service. Donations, in lieu of flowers, can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association.  The family also intends to hold a celebration of her life later this spring. Apfel Funeral Home is assisting the family, online condolences may be left at www.apfelfuneralhome.com.