Lois A. Winter

Lois A. Winter, age 88, formerly of Markesan, passed away peacefully at Park Vista Senior Living Community in Waupaca WI, on October 23, 2023.

She was born to Amos and Gunda (Lien) Kolve on July 14, 1935 in rural Jackson County near Taylor Wisconsin.  She attended Kindergarten through 5th grade at Finn School, a one room schoolhouse before moving to Blair, Wisconsin where she graduated from high school in 1953.  Lois furthered her education by attending UW-Madison, UW-Eau Claire, and UW-Oshkosh in the field of education.

Lois married Roger Weik in June of 1955 and sadly 15 months later Roger passed away.  Lois remarried in August of 1958 to Robert Winter. In 1959 they moved to Markesan and in 1972, Robert passed away.  Both husbands died of cancer.  Lois resided in Markesan for 59 years before moving to Waupaca in 2018.

Education was Lois’ mission and passion.  She taught 7th grade English in Taylor, and in Galesville.  After moving to Markesan, Lois taught 1st and 6th grade, as well as 7th and 8th grade English.  She favored the middle school teaching assignment as she taught 6th graders for 21 years.  After retiring in 2000, Lois continued to substitute teach until 2017. She believed public education gave all students a chance to discover and explore endless possibilities and strive to meet their goals.  She wanted all of her students to know what a gift they were to her and thank each of them for the opportunity to be a part of their educational journey.

Lois actively engaged in her community as a member of the Markesan Kiwanis, Markesan Historical Society, the Markesan Public Library, and church activities throughout the years.  She was an avid bridge player and a member of the Tuscumbia Country Club where one would find her at least three times per week.  She was further delighted in her love of literature, music, cooking, and calligraphy.

Family was everything to Lois.  She instilled the love of travel, and provided opportunities to experience adventures with her children.  She was very proud of her grandchildren and had a personal relationship with each of them. Lois’ kindness and compassion for life never wavered in the face of the adverse times she experienced.  She believed in something she called “PMA”, positive mental attitude, and lived by her faith in the Lord.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her husbands’ Roger Weik, and Robert Winter, her brother Del Kolve, and her dear companion Wayne Dillie.

Lois is survived by her children; Todd Weik (Kathy), Ann (Steve) Fajfer, Ellen (Ron) Otten, and her grandchildren; Krista Weik, Bridger Weik, Colter Weik, Robert Dugenske, Sarah (Nathan) Meier, Ben Otten, MaKenna Otten, Andrew Otten.  She is further survived by her brother-in-law, Larry Luchtel, the Winter Family nieces and nephews, many cousins from the Kolve and Lien families, and all the cherished students that she taught.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 4, 2023, at Markesan Community Funeral Home 868 North Margaret Street, Markesan.  Visitation will be from 9 am until the time of the service, a fellowship meal will follow the service.  Family will gather privately for a graveside gathering following the fellowship at the Markesan Memorial Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established for The Markesan Public Library in Lois’ name.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Park Vista, and the entire Hospice team of ThedaCare for their care and compassion they gave Lois over the past 5 years.  We will be forever grateful for seeing our mother through the final years of her life.

Markesan Community Funeral Homes is assisting the family with arrangements.