Col. Lois Hermeier
Col. Lois C. Hermeier, 96, of Marshalltown, formerly of Waukon, died Thursday, October 8, 2020 at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown. A private family graveside service with military honors will be held at Zalmona Cemetery in Waukon. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Condolences may be sent to Gary Hermeier at P.O. Box 137, Stoddard, WI 54658 or to Margaret Hermeier at 1687 Clonkitty Road, Waukon, IA 52172.
Colonel Lois Caroline Hermeier was born April 7, 1924 in Waukon, the daughter of Edward and Ella Mae (Miller) Hermeier. She was baptized and confirmed at Zalmona Presbyterian Church and graduated from Waukon High School. Lois graduated from Marshalltown Nursing School as a registered nurse.
In 1946, Lois worked at the Waukon Hospital before working at the VA Hospital in Iowa City from 1952-54. In May of 1954, she enlisted in the U.S. Army and throughout her career was stationed in Texas, California, North Carolina, Minnesota, Germany, Fort Knox, Kentucky, Hawaii, Detroit, Michigan, Denver, Colorado and Fort Bragg, NC; Lois also served two tours in Vietnam. After 20 years of service and two and a half years of civil service, she retired from the military in 1976.
In 1968, Lois rose to the rank of colonel and, at that time, was only the fifth woman in the country to do so, and she was very proud of this achievement. During her career, she received many awards, including the National Defense Service Medal (1st OLC), Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, a Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal , and Meritorious Service Medal.
After retiring in Fort Bragg, NC, Lois moved to Kentucky, where she was very active in the Methodist church in Brandenburg. She loved growing flowers and built her own greenhouses while living in North Carolina and Kentucky. In 2010, Lois returned to Marshalltown to live at the Iowa Veterans Home. In 2017, she received her Quilt of Valor.
Lois is survived by her brothers: Wayne (Barb) Hermeier of Iowa City and Gary (Dianne) Hermeier of Stoddard, WI; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Hermeier of Waukon. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Harlan G. Hermeier; a sister, Lorna (Clinton) Winters; and an infant nephew, Steven Paul Hermeier.
Casketbearers will be Lois’ nieces and nephews: Michael, Glenn, Lance, Lee and Lisa Hermeier, Lori Crum, Debbie Burke and Jim Winters. Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.
