Lois Jean Luther , Age 84


December 15, 1938 --February 23, 2023

Lois J. Luther, 84, passed away unexpectedly on February 23, 2023 at UW Hospital in Madison Wisconsin. She was born to Ruth and Jim Hillcoat in Chicago, Illinois on December 15, 1938. She was a proud member of the Baraboo High School Class of 1957 and 1959 graduate of Mt. Sinai Hospital Nursing School in Milwaukee. She was united in marriage to Roy Luther, the love of her life for almost 62 years, on October 15, 1960.

Lois was the second oldest of six children, and her earliest memories were of being raised in Chicago in a house filled with love. The family moved to Baraboo, her beloved mother's home town, in 1949. Lois cherished the memories of growing up in Baraboo with her 5 siblings. She was active in the Congregational Church youth program, Barateen, played the french horn and twirled baton, and was the Queen of her 9th grade semi-formal. Of course, her fondest memory was meeting Roy while giving lunch-time dance lessons to farm boys in the high school gym.

Lois went on to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She loved helping her patients and was grateful for her nursing education and lifelong friends made at Mt. Sinai. She and Roy moved to Brookfield in 1968 where they raised their two sons and daughter. Lois was the heart of her family, an ever-thoughtful, ever-giving, ever-loving Mom and wife. The family spent weekends and Holidays in Baraboo, always staying connected to their extended family and childhood friends. Lois treasured her siblings, and when she and her sisters got together, the laughter was infectious!

Lois was an avid golfer, and loved spending time in Florida with family and friends. She held her faith dear, and was a devoted member of St. Dominic's Parish in Brookfield, WI and St. Joseph's Parish in Baraboo, WI. At age 83 Lois published her memoir, Gift Accepted. She was fond of saying "Every day is a gift" and certainly lived her motto.

She is survived by her children Geoff Luther, Theresa (Tom) Johnson, daughters-in-law Marsha Luther and Tammy Luther; grandchildren Jake Luther, Kelly (Tyler Hardyman) Luther, Trent Luther, Kayla Luther, Colin Johnson, and Ben Johnson; her siblings Geri (Dick) Schoenoff, Darlene (Ed) Reichmann, and Dan (Marsha) Hillcoat, and many adoring nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Roy; her beloved son Steve; and siblings Jan Sanger and Jim Hillcoat.

Throughout her life, Lois was known for her caring personality, love of animals and nature, and soft heart. Lois made fast friends wherever she went. To know her was to love her. We are broken-hearted to lose her, but know she is at peace with the love of her life, Roy, and other loved ones.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Jay Poster officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at Redlin-Ertz Funeral Home from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. Continued visitation will be held on Wednesday at church from 10 a.m. until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, Baraboo, Baraboo Food Pantry or SJS Cancer Support Team.



Condolences

Monica Carroll February 26, 2023

Friend of Dick Baraboo , Wisconsin

Remember: Joyful memories abound; As friends and family gather 'round; Stories told, time and time again; Of happy times she brought them.

Gayle Zielke February 26, 2023

Friend Big Bend , Wisconsin

Lois was a beautiful soul inside and outside! I loved reading her book she wrote! She always inspired me and was truly a lot of fun to be with. I’ll miss our Florida and traveling pants 👖 escapades!

Robert A Greenwood February 26, 2023

friend and classmate Baraboo , Wisconsin

she was a good friend and classmate, a loving and caring person and will be missed.

Marilyn E Rohde February 26, 2023

H.S. classmate Baraboo, WI

My sincere sympathies to the extended family. I remember Lois as a very friendly, outgoing and popular classmate. Can only imagine the joy she brought to those she cared for with her kindness and beautiful smile. Enjoyed attending our 50th class reunion at their lovely farm in Baraboo.

Barb Bondioli February 26, 2023

Friend Wisconsin Rapids , Wisconsin

I am so very sorry for your loss! Lois was such a warm and special person. What a beautiful tribute to her. Sending prayers of strength and support

Kendra wohlert February 27, 2023

Friend Cedar Falls , Iowa

Dear Theresa and family, What a beautiful obituary. It absolutely captured her spirit and heart. I will always remember her sparkling eyes and and cheerful nature. Much love to you all, Kendra

Arlene Ludwig Warynick February 27, 2023

Best friend and HS classmate Santa Barbara , California

Lois was a gift to me - best friends for 70 years, since age 14 in high school! We shared so many fun times over the years - travel and ski adventures, but mostly laughs and love. My love to her cherished family and I pray for strength and support and God's blessing for each as they face their loss.

Ron and Brenda Dilley February 27, 2023

Friends Greenwood , Indiana

Lois was a very special caring person. Her Christian faith and love of God was reflected in everything she did and extended to all who knew her. We will always cherish her friendship.

Diane M GOETHEL March 01, 2023

Friend FARMINGTON , Minnesota

Matt and I are so sorry to hear this news. Lois was the kindest, most thoughtful and generous person.

Thomas Schrödl March 05, 2023

Relative Heidelberg

Our sincere condolences and sympathy. She was an amazing, generous and loving woman and each meeting with her was a delight. We wish all relatives and friends strength, consolation and confidence in this difficult hour.

Robert A Meuler March 05, 2023

Friend Brookfield , Wisconsin

How special it was for me to meet your parents at my Bar in Brookfield - Bobby's Bar as we met and talked we eventually discovered that I was born one day prior to Roy and Lois wedding day how very special - Lois also gifted me her book on Feb. 19th 2022 (almost a year to her passing) and she wrote me a note which I will cherish forever I saw Lois a few times after the passing of your father and her soulmate and the pain of that loss was never going to go away for her and so while this is just a tough time for the family what a wonderful time for Roy and Lois I can only imagine the smile on your fathers face when she arrived and asking "what took you so long?" I am so very blessed to have met your parents what an inspiration to all - each of them would tell me how much they wanted me to be successful and Roy especially would give me great business advice; I will think of them often and look at the end of the bar where they would often sit and picture them in front of me while I serve them a root beer and a glass of wine (with a few pull tabs!) God Bless Roy and Lois now and forever Bob Meuler Bobby's Bar Brookfield, WI

Bill & Susan Krug March 22, 2023

Not related but felt like a friend to Roy and Lois Baraboo , Wisconsin

I'm the person that Lois referred to as the floor guy who re-did the floors for Roy's Classics. We are so sad to hear of her passing. I last saw her at 7:30 Mass on Feb. 20th and had no idea until today that she was with Roy. We have deep respect for both of them but know that God has helped them take their next step. Our deepest sympathy to your family and friends. God Bless you all. Bill, Susan, Alison Krug PS I will continue to help out Nash at the car shop where I can.