Lois Jean Drysdale Schmidt died Thursday, January 25 ^th 2024 from  heart failure.

Lois was born on April 4, 1927 on a farm in Quincy Township near Elba, Minnesota.  She was the ninth of the 10 children born to Clarence and Bertha Haessig Drysdale.  Lois attended school in Eyota excelling in band, chorus, and English.  She graduated toward the top of her class in 1945.  On May 22, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Robert F. Schmidt.  They were married 73 years before Bob passed away on Feb 1, 2021.

Lois started working at the U.S. Veterans Administration Guidance Center.  When that job moved to a new district, she worked for Rochester Evening College, Northwest National Bank, and Olmsted County Farm Bureau.  She completed her career at IBM serving as a typist, editor, and manager in Publications from 1969 to 1989 when she retired. Lois and Bob traveled many places for IBM including West Point, New York, North Carolina, Florida, Dallas, Seattle, San Jose, and Tucson.

Lois and Bob started their marriage building a house in Eyota.   In 1954 they bought a 200-acre farm northwest of Eyota where they farmed for 40 years.  Of course, there was a precious little girl named Jean who arrived in 1954.   Some people said, "Jean was the best thing that happened to you two".  In about 1979 they bought a lot on Shell Lake, Wisconsin.  Their good friends, Arthur and Marian Pries, helped with building the cabin.  Lois and Bob spent much time at the lake including teaching kids to water ski.  In 1994 they sold their farm and moved into a new house next to Eyota West Side Park.

Lois and Bob were attending members of St Paul's United Church of Christ of Eyota and were Youth Fellowship leaders for several years.  Both of them also sang in the choir.  Lois was a member of the Women's guild.  She was financial secretary for the church.

Lois and Bob took many road trips to visit family and friends.  A few "just for fun" trips were visiting several national and state parks in the western states, and several trips to Branson, Mo.  They also visited    Baltimore, MD; Fredericksburg, VA, St. Petersburg, FL, Amarillo, TX; ST Louis, MO, Helena, MT; and Portland, OR.

Lois and Bob enjoyed country music and dancing.  They had several anniversary parties with food, music and dancing.  Lois enjoyed reading, singing, gardening, flowers, music, dancing, playing cards, taking walks, sports, and watching TV.   They attended many high school sports games and were elected to the D-E Sports Wall of Fame. Lois also enjoyed watching many college sports, and Twins, Vikings, and Lynx games on TV with Bob.

Survivors include a daughter Jean (Roger) Johnson of Pine Island, her grandson Richard (Brianna) Jensch of Eyota, her great-grandson Alexander Jensch of Eyota.  Step-grandchildren Tom (Tammie) Johnson of  Zumbrota; Jamie Johnson of Zumbrota; Step-great-grandchildren Cody Johnson of Zumbrota, Joshua Johnson of Wanamingo,   Dylan (Sara) Johnson of Pine Island,   Chase Nichols of Mazeppa,  Paige Nichols of Cannon Falls; step-great-great grandchildren Christian, Leah, Braxton, Jordan, Eleanor and many  nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Preceding Lois in death were her husband, her parents, 5 sisters, 4 brothers, 4 brothers-in-law, 4 sisters-in-law, 5 nieces, 1 nephew, 5 nephews-in-law, extended family, friends, classmates and her kitties.

The memorial service will be at S t. Paul's U C C Church north of Eyota   on Saturday, February 10 ^th at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Jean Boese officiating.

The burial will be at the cemetery next to the church.

We would like to thank Dr Henry Schultz, Dr Jill Dorn, Dr Lois Bersheid, Dr Andrew Barkmeier, Seasons Hospice, and the staff at Arbor Gardens Place.  We would also like to thank family and friends who took the time to sit with her the last few days of Lois's life.

Memorials are suggested to St Paul's U C C Church PO Box 157, 12925 County Rd 9, Eyota, MN  55934.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com