The Minnesotans on this list have shared their love of the genus lilium with the world. They have hybridized and registered beautiful lilies that many of us now enjoy in our own gardens. The North Star Lily Society is proud to share their stories. Click on the names below to read their biographies. This will be an ongoing project. Even now there are new lily varieties being created in gardens here in Minnesota. We anticipate adding more names in the future.
We have collected a number of the lilies created and registered by our hybridizers and are fortunate to have gardens dedicated to their future at Arneson Acres Park in Edina, Minnesota. The best time to see them is during their average peak bloom time which would be during the first two weeks in July.
Pictured are Minnesota's honored hybridizers and family. From the left: Lianne Peterson (Louise Koehler's granddaughter), Ruth Cocker, Nathelle Beadelle (Louise Koehler's granddaughter), Dean Hartle, Lisa Boutelle (Louise Koehler's granddaughter), Hugh Cocker, Merv Eisel, Lillian Maroushek, Tim Zimmerman and Marsha Hartle
Lilies on the right: Upper photo: L. 'Virgil' by Virgil Weiser and lower photo: L. 'Iowa Rose' by Richard Prochaska.
| Hugh and Ruth Cocker Rochester, Minnesota |
Louise Koehler Owatonna, Minnesota |
Julius Wadekamper Faribault, Minnesota |
| Ervin Doerr New Ulm, Minnesota |
Lillian Maroushek Hastings, Minnesota |
Virgil Weiser Hackensack, Minnesota |
| Merv Eisel Fort McCoy, Minnesota |
Frans Officer Bloomington, Minnesota |
Pearl Whipple Zumbro Falls, Minnesota |
| Esther Gontarek Owatonna, Minnesota |
Forrest Peiper St. Louis Park, Minnesota |
Tim Zimmerman Hanover, Minnesota |
| Dean & Marsha Hartle and Dr. Bob Gilman Owatonna, Minnesota |
Richard Prochaska New Prague, Minnesota |
Tom Zimmerman Hanover, Minnesota |
| Susie Johnson Pipestone, Minnesota |
Earl Tesca Rochester, Minnesota |
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