Lois Beneke
Lois M. Beneke, 70, of Waukon passed peacefully Wednesday, January 27, 2021 surrounded by her family in Ankeny. Funeral services were held Monday, February 1 at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon with Rev. Cathy Jurgens officiating. Burial was at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon.
Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Loren Beneke at 505 Fifth Avenue SW, Waukon, IA 52172.
Lois Marie Beneke was born August 6, 1950 in Waukon to Ordell and Virginia Bjerke. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ. After graduating from Waukon High School, Lois earned her degree in cosmetology from Calmar Community College. Her first job was in Cedar Rapids where she worked in banking for nearly two years before coming back to Waukon to open her own hair salon, Skyline.
Lois met the love of her life, Loren Beneke, on a blind date and they were married just six months later. Loren and Lois were married at Zion UCC September 22, 1973. Together they raised two children, Amy and Jacob, who were the light of her life. While raising her children, Lois also continued to style hair in the home, sold Avon, and provided in-home daycare.
The church was a large part of Lois’ life. She worked as the secretary at Zion UCC for nearly 20 years. She also loved updating the bulletin boards with current events, changing out banners for different services, packing Christmas boxes and preparing communion. She also took on the challenge of new initiatives that included the elevator addition and adding the contemporary service Sunday morning. Her love of children also showed with leading numerous youth alive programs and the kids after school program.
Lois loved having her house full of people and created a home filled with love and laughter. She had a special power to make everyone feel at home and welcomed. She loved cooking, baking and decorating for each special event. Lois also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on the river with family and friends, feeding the birds and squirrels, and creating a large garden in the backyard around their koi pond.
She was an amazing granny to her seven grandchildren. She loved attending their events, taking them on special trips, and teaching them how to bake and cook.
Lois is survived by her husband, Loren, of Waukon; her two children: Amy (Adrian) Evans of Cedar Rapids and Jacob (Shashawna) Beneke of Ankeny; her grandchildren: Alex, Zayna and Zoey Evans, and Omarion, Tyson, Jazi and Amora Beneke; and her siblings: Karen (Randy) Loeb of Waukon, Lynn Bjerke of West Union and Bob (Cheryl) Bjerke of Decorah.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her father- and mother-in-law, Henry and Tillie Beneke.
Lois’ grandchildren served as honorary casketbearers. Casketbearers were her nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
