Lois Loeffler

Lois Joan Loeffler passed away on May 6, 2014.

She was born on Sept. 25, 1932, to Julius and Nora Lange (Severson) in Almora, Minn. She lived in eastern Montana in her early life, moving to Bozeman, Mont., after her parents' death. She lived with her aunt and uncle, Mable and Clifford Hallesy, joining their family of four boys, Duane, Gordon, Harold and Douglas.

Lois attended Bozeman High School, where on an outing she met the love of her life, Stephen Loeffler. Lois said when she was 14 years old and met Steve for the first time, she knew he was the one she would marry.

After graduating from Bozeman High School, Lois lived and worked briefly in Parkers Prairie, Minn. Lois and Steve were married on June 28, 1952, in Bozeman, Mont., upon Steve's discharge from the Navy. Together, they raised their son and daughter, living in Chicago, Livingston, St. Paul and Billings. Lois worked as a telephone operator, at Dan Bailey's Fly Shop, and in retail, but focused on her family for most of her life. Lois loved to listen to polka music and dance; she and Steve were members of the Polka Club in Billings for many years. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother and an adoring grandmother.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a sister, Darlene Nyberg; and a brother, Wesley Lange.

She is survived by a brother, Darliss Lange; daughter, Stephanie (Rudy) Zubiate; son Gary (Rhonda) Loeffler; grandchildren, Veronica (Clint) Sirko, Cassandra (Michael) Rossi, Marcus Zubiate, Aaron (Nikki) Loeffler, Adam Loeffler and Tucker Miller; and several great-grandchildren, Mya Sicotte, Ayden Sicotte, Lexi Loeffler, Tristan Loeffler, Penelope Rossi and Porter Sirko.

Cremation is planned, and a memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Smith Downtown Chapel, 925 S. 27th St.