Lois M. Schroeder

Lois Mae Schroeder was born April 16, 1938 to Frank and Henrietta Kole in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where she lived until moving to the family dairy farm in Aniwa, Wisconsin. As a young woman she met the love of her life, Gerhardt, a young U.S. Air Force airman. Together they began their military career, and their love of traveling.

Lois was very passionate about everything she did. She taught preschool at Gloria Dei Lutheran School, in Hampton, Virginia. Once she retired she began to travel the world, with a few of her favorite trips being to Africa, Alaska, and Europe. When she wasn’t traveling she loved quilting and crafting. Her quilts were truly works of art.

She had a very kind and generous heart and made quilts of Valor, for our veterans, as well as quilts for the local fire department. She was also an active participant in Relay for Life and many activities at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Lois was a devoted wife, mother and Mee Mee. She loved her family and friends, especially her "wingman" Jean and "the gang” from St. Mark’s, who all were such a blessing to her. She made many trips to Wisconsin and California, especially, to visit cherished family members, and her childhood friend, Lenore Ripzinski.

Our precious mom was preceded in death by her loving husband, Gerhardt; her son, Gary Schroeder; her parents, Frank and Henrietta Kole; and her brothers, Melvin and Jim Kole.

She leaves behind, with heart filled memories, daughter, Vicki and husband, J. Barton Weakley; daughter, Donna and husband, Michael Lawing; son, Douglas Schroeder; grandchildren, Amy Lawing, Christopher Weakley and wife, Elizabeth, Mikey Lawing, Noel Weakley, Jordan Lawing; great-granddaughter, Lena Koogler; her brother, David Kole and wife, Donna; and Shannon Pettit, whom she thought of like a son.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a private family service at Parklawn Memorial Park, 2551 N. Armistead Ave., Hampton, VA 23666.

Donations in Lois' name can be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, or St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in York County.