Date of Birth:
Friday, August 2, 1918
Date of Death:
Friday, July 17, 2020
Age:
101 years old

Lois M. Haney

Lois M. Haney, age 101, died peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Rochester Health East, where she had resided since June of 2015.

Lois was born on August 2, 1918, in rural Millville, Minnesota, to Arthur and Amelia Schwanke. As a little girl, she attended a one-room schoolhouse in rural Elgin. On June 14, 1940, she was united in marriage to Avert R. Haney. They were married for 53 years.

Lois is survived by her two children: Gail Haney and husband Alan Kraning of Maui, Hawaii and Roy Haney and wife Debra, who reside on the family farm in rural northeast Rochester. She has two grandsons, Jon Haney of Birchdale, MN, and Christopher Haney of Rochester. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Leonard Schwanke, Edwin Schwanke, and half-brother Eilert Muller.

Lois and Avert farmed for several years in rural northeast Rochester. Whenever time permitted, she and Avert enjoyed their travels to their little cabin and acreage at Birchdale, MN. After Avert died in 1993, Lois continued to live on the family farm until her health declined. While she was still able to travel, she enjoyed trips to Hawaii to visit her daughter Gail, and even a trip to Brazil with her son Roy and his family.

She had many interests and talents. She was an avid gardener. She was an excellent cook and baker, known for her homemade donuts, pies and canned goods. As a busy farm-wife, she excelled at cooking meals for hired men, hosting large summer picnics, and entertaining many family members with special holiday feasts. She enjoyed socializing with other local farm wives in the neighborhood “Birthday Club”. She was active as a 4-H leader, and later with 4-H Alumni activities. She and Avert were both involved in the local Farmer’s Union. In her later years, she greatly enjoyed her volunteer work with Rochester Methodist Hospital Auxilliary, as well as visiting patients in the Mayo Hospice Program.

Becoming a grandmother to two grandsons provided many hours of joy. She never turned down moments with them to read a story, play a game, share a meal, and provide the best care in the world. She is remembered as a truly loving grandma.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff at Rochester Health East and Mayo Hospice for the exceptional care and kindness given to Lois and her family.

Due to public health concerns, a private graveside service officiated by Rev. Lester Horntvedt will take place at Elgin Cemetery, in Elgin, MN. Condolences and memories of Lois are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com