Lois Stuedemann

Mothers often tell their children that patience is virtue, only to find themselves minutes later eagerly pushing them to move faster. But not Lois Stuedemann, she knew the value of patience and the reward of resignation. Born to be a mother, she was nurturing and kind, gentle and loving, thoughtful and attentive. She realized the importance of family and that the time she had to spend with them was precious. To that end, most of her days were committed to her husband, her daughter, and her grandsons and she cherished every moment she had with them.

Life in America during the 1920's was without question very prosperous. America 's heartland was also seeing its share of success as farm prices climbed higher than ever and farm related industries were thriving. Situated in northeastern Iowa, in rural Bremer County, like in the rest of the state, farming was the order of the day. At the start of the next decade, years of reaping bountiful harvests and profits came to an end as the era of the Dust Bowl began. But, by the mid-1930s, Bremer County 's farmers were rising from the dust and once again sowing their fields. Crops, however, were not the only thing sprouting on the Hassman farm in the spring of 1936. On April 5, J.C. and his wife Velva (Ward) were welcoming their new baby girl named Lois Marie.

Lois was the fourth of six Hassman children growing up on the family farm. Even with five brothers and sisters she had her share of chores to tend, but never minded lending a hand to help. As a member of the local 4-H club, Lois learned about agriculture, met friends, and participated in activities. Like many young girls she enjoyed tap dancing, and also attended Sunday School at the Lutheran Church were her family attended. In the 1950's Lois came of age, living most of her teenage years during the decade that first heard rock and roll music, saw television sitcoms, and wore blue jeans. She attended high school in Bremer's county seat of Waverly, earning her diploma in 1954.

In the spring of 1958, when she was 22 years old, Lois was set up on blind date with an older man who worked for the local telephone company. At the age of 27, Bill Stuedemann was five years older than young Lois, but that didn't mean much in terms of experience, dancing experience that is. Lois and Bill had their first date at a dance in the nearby town of Oelwein and while Lois showed off her moves, Bill 's dancing may have left something to be desired. Whatever it was, Lois was hooked and the two of them hit it off right away. Not even a year later on December 20, 1958, Lois and Bill took their marriage vows at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa.

After a romantic getaway in Clairmore, Oklahoma, the newlyweds were back in Iowa and ready to start a family. After several unsuccessful pregnancies, Lois and Bill s prayers were answered. They received word that their baby was ready to adopt and, at last, they brought home their new 10 month old baby girl, whom they named Kimberly. For Lois, the joy and happiness she felt on this day would remain unsurpassed. She was cut out for being a mother, patient, nurturing, and kind. Working as a homemaker, Lois never failed to miss any one of Kim's milestones. From band and orchestra to cheerleading and Pom Pom, she attended every last activity and event. As Kim began her senior year of high school though, Lois decided to enter the workforce. She had ventured in home sales with Avon and Tupperware, but when she began working in the infant department at a K-Mart store she absolutely loved her job.

For several years Lois worked stocking diapers and wipes and directing shoppers to tiny clothes and shoes, before retiring for good in 1989. That same year Bill departed from his career in the telecommunications world and the couple packed up their belongings and headed for sunny Florida. For thirteen years Lois and Bill basked in the warmth of year-round sun, before a force stronger than the both of them stepped in and drew them north. Kim had started a family of her own in Kalamazoo, Michigan and Lois could not resist the thought of being closer to her daughter and two grandsons, Tyler and Zachary. Now living nearby, she adored every minute she had with the boys and spoiled them like crazy. At Christmas time she liked to bake sugar cookies and always made sure to include them, which was especially memorable for Tyler.

When she wasn't doting on her grandsons, Lois had many activities to occupy her time. She liked to visit with friends, go bowling, and make crafts. Crafts were not only a way for her to wind down and relax, but they also made special handmade gifts for her to give to family and friends. Watching game shows and prime-time television dramas or listening to country music artists like Vince Gill and Mel Tellis, were also some of her favorite pastimes. Since childhood, faith had been a part of Lois's daily life and she remained active in the church. In the past she taught Sunday school classes, and more recently, she was involved in Parchment United Methodist Church, where she participated in the Women's Circle as well as other activities. More than anything else, Lois's best accomplishments and biggest vocation were the moments she shared with her husband, the years she spent raising her daughter, and the time she had with the family she loved so much. She had a rich and full life and leaves behind countless fond memories for her family and friends.

Lois M. Stuedemann, age 70 of Kalamazoo, died May 15, 2006 at Rose Arbor Hospice. Learn more about Lois, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends on Thursday from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler - Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive (West of US-131; 375-2900). A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday at 9:30 AM at Parchment United Methodist Church, with interment at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Following the burial food and fellowship will be shared back at the church hall.

She was preceded death by her brother-in-law, Clair Munson. Members of Lois' family include her husband of 48 years, Bill Stuedemann; daughter, Kimberly (Dave) Nobel of Plainwell; two grandsons: Tyler and Zachary; four brothers: Keith (Ginny) Hassman of Sun City, AZ, Jim (Shirley) Hassman of Iowa City, IA, Lynn (Bonnie) Hassman of Altoona, IA, and Larry (Dotta) Hassman of Traer, IA; a sister, Joyce Munson of Cedar Rapids, IA; and many nieces and nephews. Please visit Lois's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or sign the online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan.