Lois M. Birkholz, age 91, of Omro, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at Webster Manor in Omro. She was born September 8, 1925, in Oshkosh to the late Henry and Almedia (Reinert) Retzlaff. On September 24, 1949, Lois married Maynard Birkholz at Grace Lutheran Church in Omro, and they made their home in Omro their entire married lifetime. Along with raising her family Lois was a home caregiver for both of her parents and Maynard's parents. In addition, she brought care and compassion to many others throughout her lifetime. Lois was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, Omro and its Ladies Guild, choir, and quilting group. She and Maynard danced with the Timber Toppers Square Dance Club, which provided many opportunities to travel. Lois was active in the community and involved in: the Worthwhile Homemakers Club of Omro, Omro Women's Service League, and the Omro Historical Society. She always looked forward to playing the part of Mrs. Claus at the Omro Community Center, which she did happily for many years. She was also a member of the "Lois" Club. In her spare time Lois enjoyed spending time with her family and taking care of her beautiful flower garden. Her enthusiasm and zest for life will be truly missed!
Lois is survived by two daughters and three sons-in-law, Amy and Eugene Kriener, of Burlington; Rebecca and Edwin Strey, of Omro; Henry Clement, of Beloit; seven grandchildren, Jacqueline (Matt) Hensgen, of Milwaukee; Catrien (Dusten) Slater, of Electric City, Washington; Nathan Clement (Pearl), of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Gwendolyn (Todd) Pinnington, of Tasmania, Australia; Stephanie (Matthew) Shefchik, of Waunakee; Hannah Strey, of Madison; and Andrew Strey, of Omro; eight great-grandchildren, Cole and Rhys Pinnington, Abraham and Jane Shefchik, Theo and Oliver Hensgen, Sophie and Keira Slater; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Birkholz, of West Bend; Joan Birkholz, of Milwaukee; one niece, Beth Bothe, of Milwaukee; one nephew, Mark Birkholz, of Milwaukee; and other relatives and friends.
Along with her parents, Lois was also preceded in death by her husband, Maynard; a daughter, Sue Clement; and a brother-in-law, Gerald Birkholz.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Saturday, May 6, 2017, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 720 Jackson Ave. Omro. A funeral service will be held on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. at the church with Pastor Richard Bartholomew officiating. Burial will be in the Omro Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established for Grace Lutheran Church, Omro, Heartland Hospice, and Webster Manor.
If you wish, please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.