Lois Ann (Christensen) Schoeneman died surrounded by her family Tuesday,  Dec. 10, 2019 in Edina. She was 79.

She was born March 7, 1940, in Redwood Falls, the daughter of Milton and Arlean (Meyer) Christensen. Lois’ family moved to Mankato, where she graduated from Mankato High School in 1958. She continued her education at St. Olaf College in Northfield, where she received her undergrad degree and met the love of her life, Dan. After graduation she taught English and speech and coached a championship debate team near Denver.

Dan and Lois were married Sept. 25, 1965, in Minneapolis. Following Dan’s term of service in the Army, they moved to Albert Lea, where they raised their family, created an extended group of dear friends and she served the community in many ways.

Lois was an active member of First Lutheran Church, served as president of the YMCA, and was a member of the Board of Trustees for the Naeve Health Care Association and Fountain Center Advisory Committee. She served Lutheran Social Services in several ways, including chairwoman of the Minnesota Board of Directors for LSS. Lois was a caring leader and passionately worked to strengthen family values in her community.

Lois stayed home to raise children Michael and Kristen and was the consummate mom. She was the best Cub Scouts and Brownies leader, Sunday school teacher, and always encouraging children to explore their world, be compassionate and confident in themselves.

Lois went on to get her masters degree in counseling at Mankato State and was a guidance counselor at Albert Lea High School for 10 years, retiring in 1995.

Lois was an avid bridge player and enjoyed entertaining with friends. She was a collector of many beautiful treasures — most cherished is her collection of cartoon clippings shared often to spread her quick wit and laughter. She loved to travel with family and friends — especially spending time up north at the cabin.

She will be lovingly missed by her family: son, Michael Schoeneman, and his wife, Diane (Wallner), of Owatonna; daughter, Kristen, and husband, Matt Thurber, of Edina; grandsons Daniel and David Schoeneman of Owatonna; brother, Gary, and Anne Christensen of Naples, Florida;  sister, Judy, and Nick Trotter of Windom; brother-in-law, John Schoeneman, of Owatonna; and nieces and nephews Jon (Sasmira) Christensen, Kate (Nick) Lombardi, Michelle (John) Trotter-Mathison, Andy (Sarah) Trotter and their children.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Dan.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. A visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Bonnerup Funeral Services in Albert Lea and one hour before services at the church. Her kind heart and generous soul will be dearly missed by her family and many dear friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or the donor’s choice.