Lois Ruth Bergene, 85, of rural Adams died at her home Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

Lois was born Aug. 27, 1933, in Lakefield to Walter and Alma (Mrotz) Huemoeller. She graduated from Albert Lea High School in 1951 and Mankato State Teachers College in 1954. Lois married Ward Bergene on June 19, 1955, at Hayward Lutheran Church.

Lois was a lifelong learner and teacher. She taught sixth grade at Adams Public School. Lois was very involved at Little Cedar Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school classes, vacation Bible school, led the Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church group, circle Bible study and for many years planned and directed the children’s Christmas program.

Lois was also involved in many community organizations. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, Adams Legion Auxiliary and Adams Garden club.

Lois enjoyed playing cards — especially bridge, and solving crossword puzzles. She also enjoyed golfing, bowling, camping and gardening. Lois loved to plan parties and gatherings for friends and family. She was happiest looking up new recipes, creating the menu and preparing the holiday meal for her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Alma Huemoeller; husband, Ward Bergene; granddaughter, Tegan Christopherson; brothers Robert Huemoeller and Donald Huemoeller; brothers-in-law Bruce Kermes and Conrad Sletta; and sister-in-law, Mavis Bergene.

Lois is survived by her children Bradley Bergene of Tucson, Arizona, Brian (Teresa) Bergene of Rose Creek, Bruce (Mary) Bergene of Elkton, Bettina (Allan) Christopherson of St. Michael, Brett (Sherri) Bergene of St. Paul and Bryce Bergene of Elkton; 12 grandchildren, Nathan Bergene, Shawna Klaehn, Clinton Bergene, Daniel Bergene, Aric Bergene, Tyler Bergene, Brandon Bergene, Colton Christopherson, Hannah Bergene, Hallie Bergene, Henry Bergene and Hogan Bergene; four great-grandchildren, Aiden Klaehn, Kelson Klaehn, Charlie Bergene and Conley Bergene; sister, Bonnie Kermes, of Owatonna; sisters-in-law Alice Huemoeller and Pat Huemoeller; brother-in-law, Virgil Bergene; sister-in-law, Jane Sletta; cousin-in-law, Dorothy Bergene; many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Little Cedar Lutheran Church in Adams. The Rev. Jeremy Johnson will officiate. Interment will be at Little Cedar Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Adams Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.