Lois Christensen

Thursday, December 3, 2020 12:57 pm

Lois Jeanette Christensen of Spencer, formerly of Decorah, died Nov. 27, 2020.

Funeral services are Thursday, Dec. 3, at 11 a.m. at Warner Chapel, Spencer, with Pastor Jeff Geiger officiating. Hymns include “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Can I Keep from Singing.” Pallbearers were Luke Christensen, Zachary Christensen, Shannon Green, Clay Fletcher, Gordon Williamson and Jerry Olson. Interment is at Milford Cemetery in Milford, with Warner Funeral Home of Spencer in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials to: Hospice of Spencer Hospital or People for Pets.

Lois, the daughter of James and Gladys Clare Wilcox, was born on Aug. 27, 1938, in Emmetsburg. She attended elementary and middle school in Spencer, and continued her education in Greely, Colorado. She married Terry J. Christensen of Milford,  and lived a happy and fruitful life until he was fatally injured in an automobile/motorcycle accident in 1973. He was a loving and devoted husband and father to Tony, Lance and Kelly.

In 1977 Lois went to work for Iowa Great Lakes Travel Agency in Spencer and moved to Decorah, in 1980, to manage the AAA Travel Agency there until retirement in 2000. As a child she loved National Geographics, dreaming that one day she could see the beautiful sites. Being in the travel industry allowed her to fulfill some of her greatest dreams, traveling extensively throughout the world. Her fascination with ancient history and archeology led her to visit some of the most notable sites in the world. The one thing left on her bucket list was trekking Rwanda to commune with the Great Mountain Gorillas.

Lois moved to Hartley, Iowa, in 2001 to be closer to her mother in her later years and moved to Spencer in November 2018. She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Spencer and “ Y” Adnom Women’s Club in Hartley, Iowa. She was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a past board member of Arts on Grand. She enjoyed singing in the Trinity Lutheran Church choir, Many Voices Choir in Estherville, Iowa, and looks forward to singing in God’s Heavenly Choir. She had a great appreciation for crossword puzzles, music, arts and all creatures great and small. She always had a passion for animals and was known as the neighborhood cat lady. She fed and cared for many stray and feral cats and went as far as taking care of their medical care, including spaying and neutering and helped them find their furever homes or the best ‘no kill’ shelters for them. She always said if you are looking for a pet, please check your local shelters first, along with donating supplies needed for their care at the shelter.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Terry, in 1973; her mother and father-in-law, Jim and Nita Christensen; and various beloved pets; three feline companions, Sabrina, Cleo and Baxter, who will accompany her on her journey.

She is survived by her children: Anthony (Rita) Christensen of Rochester, Minn.; Lance (Lori) Christensen of Spencer; Kelly (Brian) Nordschow of Decorah; four grandchildren: Luke (Darby) Christensen of Spencer; Zachary (Terryn) Christensen of Spencer; Makenzie Nordschow and Brandon Nordschow of Decorah; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Sharon “Sherrie” (Roger) Green of Spencer; and many much loved nieces, nephews and special friends.

The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice of Spencer Hospital for their compassion, kindness and love received from the Hospice team, especially for Colleen, Sharon, Chelsey, Emily, Dr. Keith and Dr. Feldmann. Also, to Robin and Whitney for the comfort and joy you brought her every week.