Lois Smith

Monday, January 14, 2019 5:21 pm

Lois Smith, 57, of Decorah, died Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, at her home in Decorah. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah, with Rev. Donald Hertges officiating. Organist was Mary Beth Bouska. Cantor was Cindy Schissel. Hymns were “Be Not Afraid,” “Let There Be Peace on Earth,” “On Eagle’s Wings” and “How Great Thou Art.” Lector was Leon Arens. Offertory gift bearers were Jess Stevens and Alexa Procailo. Eucharistic minister was Kris Smith. Casket bearers were Jared Smith, Logan Smith, Dalton Smith, Dakota Smith, Braxton Smith, Jess Stevens Matthew Smith and Nathan Smith. Honorary casket bearers were Abby Smith, Alexa Procailo, Taylor Borst, Roxanne Stammeyer, Mandi Smith, Kaitlin Grimm, Nicki Kleve, Jordan Stevens, Avery Arens and Ella Arens. Interment will be in St. Luke’s Cemetery, St. Lucas, at a later date. Arrangements were handled by Schluter – Balik Funeral Home, Decorah.

Lois Ida Smith was born Sept. 29, 1961, in Decorah, to Alvin and Doris (Wurzer) Smith. Lois attended St. Lukes Catholic school and graduated from Turkey Valley High School in 1980. She was an incredibly hard worker and enjoyed her time working for Marv Smith Electric, Rockwell Collins and as a certified nursing assistant. Much of her career was spent caring for and building relationships with the residents and their families at Barthell Eastern Star Nursing Home. Lois was a devoted and loving mother. She was most proud of her daughters and especially enjoyed her role as grandma. Lois enjoyed spending time with family, playing cards, cross stitching, dogs and being outdoors. She will be remembered as selfless and supportive, but also for her strength and stubbornness; this is what she will be missed for the most.

Lois is survived by two daughters, Traci (Joel) Ridgway, Atkins and Shana (Evan) Meyer, Decorah; four grandchildren: Emerson and Cameron Ridgway, Caleb and Owen Meyer; mother, Doris Smith, Fort Atkinson; brothers: Marv (Becky) Smith, Fort Atkinson, Roger (Emily) Smith, Eyota, Minn., Gary (Barb) Smith, Calmar, Jean (Kris) Smith, Calmar, Duane (Tammy) Smith, Tenino, Wash.; sisters, Connie (Paul) Stevens, Ridgeway and Lynn (Leon) Arens, Cedar; sister-in-law, Shirley Smith, Calmar; and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her father, Alvin Smith; brothers, Ronald Smith in 1982 and Paul Smith in 2008.

A special thank you to Becky Smith for her priceless gift that blessed us with four additional years to enjoy our mother, sister, daughter, G-ma and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa 2345 Millennium Road, Decorah, IA 52101 or Camp Hertko Hollow (Diabetic camp for youth) 101 Locust St, Des Moines, IA 50309.