Lois J. Schmidt
Monday, April 4, 1927
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Age:
96 years old
Monday, April 4, 1927
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Age:
96 years old
Monday, April 4, 1927
Date of Death:
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Age:
96 years old
Lois J. Schmidt
Lois Jean Drysdale Schmidt died Thursday, January 25th 2024 from heart failure.
Lois was born on April 4, 1927 on a farm in Quincy Township near Elba, Minnesota. She was the ninth of the 10 children born to Clarence and Bertha Haessig Drysdale. Lois attended school in Eyota excelling in band, chorus, and English. She graduated toward the top of her class in 1945. On May 22, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert F. Schmidt. They were married 73 years before Bob passed away on Feb 1, 2021.
Lois started working at the U.S. Veterans Administration Guidance Center. When that job moved to a new district, she worked for Rochester Evening College, Northwest National Bank, and Olmsted County Farm Bureau. She completed her career at IBM serving as a typist, editor, and manager in Publications from 1969 to 1989 when she retired. Lois and Bob traveled many places for IBM including West Point, New York, North Carolina, Florida, Dallas, Seattle, San Jose, and Tucson.
Lois and Bob started their marriage building a house in Eyota. In 1954 they bought a 200-acre farm northwest of Eyota where they farmed for 40 years. Of course, there was a precious little girl named Jean who arrived in 1954. Some people said, “Jean was the best thing that happened to you two”. In about 1979 they bought a lot on Shell Lake, Wisconsin. Their good friends, Arthur and Marian Pries, helped with building the cabin. Lois and Bob spent much time at the lake including teaching kids to water ski. In 1994 they sold their farm and moved into a new house next to Eyota West Side Park.
Lois and Bob were attending members of St Paul’s United Church of Christ of Eyota and were Youth Fellowship leaders for several years. Both of them also sang in the choir. Lois was a member of the Women’s guild. She was financial secretary for the church.
Lois and Bob took many road trips to visit family and friends. A few “just for fun” trips were visiting several national and state parks in the western states, and several trips to Branson, Mo. They also visited Baltimore, MD; Fredericksburg, VA, St. Petersburg, FL, Amarillo, TX; ST Louis, MO, Helena, MT; and Portland, OR.
Lois and Bob enjoyed country music and dancing. They had several anniversary parties with food, music and dancing. Lois enjoyed reading, singing, gardening, flowers, music, dancing, playing cards, taking walks, sports, and watching TV. They attended many high school sports games and were elected to the D-E Sports Wall of Fame. Lois also enjoyed watching many college sports, and Twins, Vikings, and Lynx games on TV with Bob.
Survivors include a daughter Jean (Roger) Johnson of Pine Island, her grandson Richard (Brianna) Jensch of Eyota, her great-grandson Alexander Jensch of Eyota. Step-grandchildren Tom (Tammie) Johnson of Zumbrota; Jamie Johnson of Zumbrota; Step-great-grandchildren Cody Johnson of Zumbrota, Joshua Johnson of Wanamingo, Dylan (Sara) Johnson of Pine Island, Chase Nichols of Mazeppa, Paige Nichols of Cannon Falls; step-great-great grandchildren Christian, Leah, Braxton, Jordan, Eleanor and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding Lois in death were her husband, her parents, 5 sisters, 4 brothers, 4 brothers-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, 5 nieces, 1 nephew, 5 nephews-in-law, extended family, friends, classmates and her kitties.
The memorial service will be at S t. Paul’s U C C Church north of Eyota on Saturday, February 10th at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Jean Boese officiating.
The burial will be at the cemetery next to the church.
We would like to thank Dr Henry Schultz, Dr Jill Dorn, Dr Lois Bersheid, Dr Andrew Barkmeier, Seasons Hospice, and the staff at Arbor Gardens Place. We would also like to thank family and friends who took the time to sit with her the last few days of Lois’s life.
Memorials are suggested to St Paul’s U C C Church PO Box 157, 12925 County Rd 9, Eyota, MN 55934.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Lois J. Schmidt has received the following condolences.
Jean and family,
We were saddened by the news of Lois’s passing.
what a wonderful life she had. My family was very blessed to have been friends with both Bob and Lois. Even though they were my parents friends and age, they were our friends too because they always acted and seemed younger. My children were always amazed at how young Lois looked when I told them her age, they couldn’t believe it. And then to see them dance, it’s like they were gliding along on ice, so smooth and together. We’ll miss our little chats with Lois just to check in how things were going.
Unfortunately today we were leaving for vacation otherwise we would have liked to see you again. Take care.
Norm and Joy Prom
(I always loved sharing my birthday with Bob and our anniversary with both of them)
I was a new hire in Editing at IBM with an office across the hall from Lois. She gave me wonderful advice on IBM that certainly helped me for the long haul. Somewhere I have a postcard of the Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz that Lois gave me when she retired and we were cleaning out her office. Such a sharp woman! I have fond memories of Lois from those many years ago.
My condolences to the family on your loss.
I met Lois in Feb 1978 for an interview for a position in her department at IBM. Thankfully Lois hired me !! I then worked for her in that department for between 4 and 5 years. Learning the publishing trade and she provided good guidance.
I was one of, I think, 4 men that worked in two publishing departments. I fondly remember Lois saying, after meetings or hallway discussions, that the more they teased you the more they loved you. Of course referring to the ladies that worked in those departments. As the years went by I had occasion to cross paths with Lois at weddings, graduations, and most memorable, ball games. She provided interesting analysis of various call made by the referees - admirably partisan for the Dover-Eyota teams :) :) :))).
Rest in peace Lois.
Patrick Lawson