Lois Ann Kostroski

Lois Kostroski happily traveled many miles on this earth and in her later years provided a long long good-bye for her children and loved ones. She gave of herself throughout her life with love and a sturdy foundation that exceeded expectations.

Lois was born in Benton Harbor, MI Oct 5, 1927 to Edward Nohlechek and Emilly Chaltry Nohlechek, from whom she received bountiful life experiences living in the city or on the family farm. Her greatest memory recounted many times over were the stories of the farm shared with her Father whom she loved deeply and her beloved horse "Nellie". The hardships were many and the strong backbone Lois developed in her teen years was from her mother who then as a single provider worked hard to give her children what they deserved growing up in Menominee MI.

Lois graduated from Menominee HS in 1945 and studied to become a beautician, where she later worked in Minocqua WI and met her husband, First Lieutenant Larry Kostroski. Their courtship consisted of volumes of written letters as Larry was an Air Force pilot flying 50+ missions in Korea before being allowed to return to the US and marry his true love, Lois. In just weeks after his return from the service they were married in Tucson AZ at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church on August 10, 1951.

Lois and Larry were happy to start their family with the birth of Sandy (1952). Following shortly with Linda (1954), Larry Jr. (1955), Nita (1956) and Connie (1959). All five children were privileged to live in many locations including Florida, Texas, England, and Arizona. Lois and Larry's love for their children did not stop there, the blessing of grandchildren and great-grandchildren was a gift they both enjoyed immensely. Tina, Gerald, Gunnar, Garrett, Tera, Emily Rose, Lois Abigail, Maxim, Kaia, Shiloh, Wylder and Tessa Jo were the fortunate recipients of their combined love.

In her 40's Lois became a very successful Real Estate Agent with her passion for selling homes and land in Southern Arizona. She loved where she lived, she loved the desert and she loved the thrill and empowerment from the work she did.

Lois will always be remembered for her dedication to her children, her commitment to being a strong example to her daughters and son. She loved music and would daily fill the house with her favorites (Willie Nelson, Tony Bennett, etc). Lois loved to fly and was fortunate to marry a pilot and have a son and grandson that also became pilots. Traveling in the family motorhome was another joy of hers that gave her opportunities to visit her daughters and her distant grandchildren over the years. In her lifetime, Lois was a content woman who would greet others with an energetic smile and most notably welcome her new neighbors with banana bread!

Lois was preceded in death by her husband Larry, brother Edward, sister Rita, mother Emily and father Edward Sr. She is survived by her children Sandy, Linda, Larry, Nita and Connie.

A mass and funeral service for Lois will be held at Our Mother of Sorrows Church in Tucson AZ, 11am, April 18, 2024. A gathering will follow for friends and family in celebration of a wonderful life lived at the Tucson home of Lois - 6681 Calle Herculo.

The interment of her ashes will be at Southern AZ Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Sierra Vista AZ, 11am, April 19, 2024.

Donations to the Disabled Veterans of Foreign Wars would be appreciated, as this was one of the many charities she contributed to.