Charlene M. Lois

1955 ∼ 2017

Charlene M. Lois
Charlene “Char” Lois, 62, of Kenosha, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at Aurora Medical Center in Kenosha, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Kenosha on September 14, 1955, she was the daughter of Dale and Grace (McCormack) Merrill. A lifelong resident of Kenosha County, she was educated in local schools, graduating from Central High School in 1973 and from Gateway Technical College in 1977 with an associate’s degree as a medical assistant. On October 26, 1974, she married Don Lois at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in New Munster, WI. Char was employed for 38 years at the former Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare/All Saints in Racine as a phlebotomist and the Phlebotomy Program Coordinator. She was happiest when teaching others and watching their careers succeed. Outside of work Char loved spending time with her family, especially her three grandchildren who filled her life with love and joy. Char was very active in her church work and the community. She was a member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church where she was the Home and School Association President and also on the school board, parish council, festival co-chair, human concerns committee, Corpus Christi 6 Parish Blood Drive, and capital campaign as well as being a religious education instructor and a eucharistic minister. At work she was involved with the patient experience team, All Saints Foundation annual philanthropy fundraiser and the co-coordinator of the Highlighting Healthcare Careers monthly presentations for Racine high school students. She also helped her community by volunteering with Meals On Wheels, the INNS program, the Junior Achievement Program in Racine, and was the co-founder and first president of the ITA PTSO. Surviving is her husband of 43 years, Don Lois of Kenosha; two sons, Eric (Amanda Dulle) Lois and Marc (Brenda) Lois, both of Kenosha; her mother, Grace Merrill of Wheatland, WI; a brother, Doug Merrill of Harshaw, WI; a sister, Kim (Dave) Daniels of Brighton, WI; and three grandchildren, Ally Vaughn, Zoey Lois and Owen Lois. She is further survived by her brothers-in-law, Lenny (Carol) Lois and Jim (Marilyn) Lois; sisters-in-law, Gwen Ketterhagen and Dorothy (Elmer) Gayhart; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Dale Merrill; father and mother-in-law, Leonard and Magdalene Lois, Sr.; brothers-in-law, Matt (Marilyn) Matthews and John Ketterhagen; her maternal grandparents, Jasper and Charlotte McCormack; and her special great aunt, Jane McCormack. Char’s family would like to extend a special thank you to all the staff at Aurora Medical Center Kenosha, especially the med/surg floor nurses and aides, for all of the wonderful care and support they gave her during her time in the hospital. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 21st, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 22nd, with a prayer service at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Holy Rosary Teen Destiny of the Holy Rosary Parish would be greatly appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Char’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Maria Gutierrez& Jennifer Burroughs November 22, 2017
Don, and family...We want to give our deepest condolences on your loss. Char left such an impression on us. She will never be forgotten and it was our pleasure to have been apart of her rehabilitation... much love and plenty of hugs!
Donna Ellingson November 20, 2017
My condolences to Grace and her family for the loss of Charlene. My memories are of the years of camping with the Merrill family which are awesome memories to our family. Sending my love and prayers for all.
Tom Herricks November 20, 2017
It was a little over 10 years ago Char encouraged me to become a blood donor. If it would not have been for her encouragement I probably never would have started. As I approach hitting the 10 gallon mark her inspiration has helped about 240 other people along the way, WOW!! I am sorry for your loss, but remember how she celebrated life and what she has done here on earth will leave a legacy of how a little push from someone can multiply and live well into the future.
Kristine Castro November 20, 2017
Grace, we are so sorry for you're loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
James and Susan Davison November 20, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as you go through this loss. Her life of service helping others speaks volumes to the woman she was.
Debe dahlke November 19, 2017
Char was my teacher, and friend. An amazing woman who gave her all to life, family and work. I am truly blessed that she held my hand to guide me in my career and listened to my private thoughts and fears. I will miss her..but she is with us always.
Patti Fawver (Krieger) November 19, 2017
Char was a true friend. We shared so many wonderful times together throughout our high school days and I will always savor those memories. I am deeply sorry for your loss.
Rose Giannini November 19, 2017
I am deeply saddened by your loss. Char impacted my life in so many ways. Her smile, her enthusiasm, her generosity, and selflessness has not gone unnoticed. She will be missed. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace Amen...
Laurie Schrader November 19, 2017
Sorry for your loss. My prayers are with the family.
Dick and Liz Schultz November 18, 2017
Don and family,We send our deepest sympathy at this most difficult time. So sorry that we are out of town. Our thoughts and prayers are with you entire family.
Carol Harris November 18, 2017
Don, Eric, Marc, BrendaMy deepest condolences for your loss. My prayers for all of you as you grieve. Remember the good memories you shared with her to keep you going. Special hugs to my friend Don.
TIM KLOSTER November 18, 2017
Don and Lois family I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family!