Lois June Heuser

SPRINGFIELD - Lois June (Schmitt) Heuser, 88, of Springfield, IL quietly said a final good-bye to her family and friends in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday, March 22, 2009. She was born in Utica, Illinois, the youngest child of William and Martha Schmitt. Siblings were "Brother Bob" Schmitt of Decatur and sister Ruth Giunta of Peoria. In the late 20's Lois' family moved to Decatur, where she graduated from the "old" Stephen Decatur High School in 1938. Two years later at Grace Methodist Church she married her handsome suitor, Robert Keith Heuser. Like so many young marrieds of the time, their life was upset by WWII. Lois, the young bride, went with her husband as he was in training to become a pilot in the Air Corps. It was quite an adventure for the young, curly-haired, spunky girl from Decatur. She always loved, in later years, to recall to her children and grandchildren the adventure of living in places ranging from Stevens Point, Wis to Hemet, CA and points in between. She was with Bob until he went to England in 1944, as a B-17 pilot. She returned to Decatur and her family until he returned in October, 1945. Then, she and Bob began that part of life that they cherished almost as much as they cherished each other. They settled in Decatur and began their family. It was her husband and two children, who she always held close to her heart, that she knew were her special blessing from God, honoring with grace and wisdom that blessing. In 1966, she, once again, followed Bob as he returned to active duty in the Air force. This time, the move took them to Springfield, cherishing the years they were blessed to have in their new home. It would be in Springfield where their vow of "until death do us part" was fulfilled. Lois' beloved Bob died on July 20, 1970. Lois remained in Springfield. Once again, she struck out on her own. She stayed in the home she and Bob build and continued to nourish her friends and family. She had three new blessings by 1978, her grandchildren. They uplifted and gave her that glimpse into the future which only grandchildren can provide. The children are grown now and the grandchildren are adults themselves, but they will always take with them the smiles, the twinkling in the eye, the hugs, the unconditional love, and the wisdom that their Mother and Grandma so graciously and lovingly gave them. Lois is survived by her son, Richard (wife Madolyn) Heuser of Fremont, CA, daughter Jan (husband Duane) Jones of Springfield. Grandchildren are Robert Scott Heuser of Dublin, CA, Justin Dietrich Heuser of Woodland, CA, and Jaclyn Danielle (husband Jason) Chasten of Springfield. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bob, her parents, and her brother and sister. Other surviving beneficiaries of love and wisdom are nieces, nephews, and friends. Services are under the direction of Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. where the family will meet friends from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Wednesday, March 25, 2009. The service will be held there also at Thursday, 12:00 Noon, March 26, 2009 with the Reverend Vincent Rohn officiating. Graveside services will be held following the service in Springfield at Graceland Cemetery, Decatur, IL. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association. Please visit the online obituary at www.mem.com. Obituary written by family members. Online guest book at www.legacy.com/herald-review/Obituaries.asp