Lois Johnston

1931 - 2012

Johnston, Lois

Eighty one years ago on July 15, Frank and Gladys Plain of Oconto Falls were thrilled to announce the birth of their daughter Lois. She was the first of Gladys and Frank's seven daughters who became known around Oconto Falls as "The Plain" Girls". Each was a treasure to Frank and Gladys, Sister M. Joanne of Holy Family Convent, Manitowoc; Patricia (Bill) Zietlow, Phyllis (Jim) Johnson, all of Oconto Falls; Joanne (Ray) Stewart, Mary B. (Wes) McNeal, all of Loudon, TN and Kathleen (Perry) Ankerson, Green Bay.

Some of you may remember Lois as the sweetest-soda-jerk-ever, when at age 16 she worked at Sid Johnson's Sweet Shop on Main Street in Oconto Falls. Others may remember Lois being the hospital receptionist while others knew her as Dr. Theisen's Girl Friday. A good many of you reading this will remember Lois as the organizer of The Christmas Dinner. Everyone who might be spending Christmas Day alone was invited. Lois, along with her husband Bill, family and friends with donations from local businesses put on a Christmas party at St. Anthony-complete with songs, dinner, drinks and of course Santa Claus was there to present the gifts.

Lois planned the party each year to honor her parents who died when Lois was 27 years old. She was left caring for her two youngest sisters, one of whom was still in grade school. Lois met this challenge gracefully as she did other blows that life dealt her. She was feisty (some of you are saying that is an understatement), but she was also loving and generous, taking seriously the message of feeding the hungry and caring for the sick.

When she met Bill Johnston, she had met her soul-mate; and the two of them enjoyed 42 wonderful years together. Whether they were bowling at Lemorande Lanes, dancing at the Round Roof, picnicking on the Oconto River, drinking green beer on St. Patrick's Day or enjoying a ginger brandy press at The Windmill, they had fun along with their friends!

Lois valued friendship greatly. She had many special friends, some of whom go back to her days at St. Anthony Catholic Grade School. Even though they graduated from high school 63 years ago, Laverne, Lois K. and Margaret Ann still enjoyed sharing with Lois the fun they had "back in the day." Her friend and neighbor Xenia is a very special person who looked after Lois with love and concern as did Faye who met Lois early on in her illness. Lois was someone who always liked to look good and when she could no longer manage herself, her friend Carla stepped up to the plate. Lois's hair was perfectly coifed and her nails were the envy of all. Speaking of friends, there were Lois's caregivers! Not enough can be said for Kathy and her staff at Sharpe Care. They made Lois comfortable and she felt at home in their care. As the end drew near, they were professional, discreet and loving. Lois's family feels very blessed that she was able to spend her last days with The Sharpe Care Caregivers.

It was just one week ago when leaving Lois's room that Margaret Ann joked to her, "I'll pick you up Saturday night and we'll go dancing at Green Valley." Lois is dancing now and if you listen carefully, you will hear the music.

Lois's life will be celebrated with a visitation at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls from 4-7pm Monday, October 22, 2012. Visitation will continue after 10am Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at St. Anthony Catholic Church until the time of service. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11am Tuesday at the church with the Rev. Fr. Joel Sember officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.