Lois Ruth Bigalke

1937 - 2024

Lois Ruth Bigalke
August 29, 2024
Lois Ruth Bigalke, age 86 of Manistee, MI died Wednesday evening, August 29, 2024 at Munson Healthcare Manistee Hospital.
She was born on November 24, 1937 in Manistee, MI daughter of the late Kenneth and Isabel (Lovelette) Vallee.
Lois met the love of her life, Robert Bigalke, when she was just 18 years old. They were married on February 11, 1956 at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee. They remained in love throughout 54 years of marriage until his death on March 5, 2009. Lois was steadfast in her devotion to Robert, and now, she will rest beside him in Mt. Carmel Cemetery. Lois and Robert raised six incredible children who excelled in math, computer science, engineering, sports, arts, fashion and even skydiving.
With five boys and one little girl, Lois poured her heart and soul into motherhood. Lois's love and dedication to her family extended to her 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Lois was a woman of unwavering faith, whose strength and steadfast devotion touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a tapestry of beautiful memories including her time living above a charming bakery in Montreal where she would awaken to fragrant aromas, to the final days of her life, where her hands danced across the piano keys.
Lois found joy and solace in music, and this passion was mirrored in her love of cooking and entertaining. Every Thanksgiving, her home became a sanctuary of warmth and togetherness, where family gathered to enjoy a feast prepared with love and expertise and maybe a few dishes that involved fruit and jello. She owned a cookbook for everything, and she could make it all, often without a trip to the store. Her pantry was a testament to her culinary prowess, stocked to the brim with canned goods and fresh produce.
Lois had a gift for making everyone feel at home. A plate of snickers cookies was always at the ready, and if not, she would whip up a fresh batch while listening intently to the details of your day.
Lois had a special connection to cardinals the birds adorned her favorite china. To Lois, these vibrant birds were more than just a decorative motif; when seen on her feeder or perched on a branch they were a sign that loved ones who had passed were still near, watching over those left behind.
Lois left a lasting mark on the employees and friends she met at Maple Ridge. They remember her as more than just a resident in Apartment 405-Lois was a friend, a sweet grandmother figure, and a beloved member of their community.
Lois's love for nature was evident in the way she and Robert nurtured their property, which contained rows of colorful flowers and a flourishing vegetable garden. Her green thumb and dedication to her garden mirrored the care she showed in every aspect of her life. Those who knew Lois will remember her for her kindness, her culinary talents, and her occasional sass, but also for the deep love she had for her family, a love that will continue to live on through generations. She was a member of Divine Mercy Parish of Manistee (Guardian Angels Catholic Church).
Lois is survived by four sons and one daughter and their spouses, David (Janet) Bigalke of Brighton, MI, Harry (Bonnie) Bigalke, Joe (Jan) Bigalke, Steve (Gretchen) Bigalke and Laurie Blevins (Eric Gustad) all of Manistee, MI, 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robert J. Bigalke, her son Brian J. Bigalke on July 15, 2024 and her sister Patricia Franckowiak.
Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church in Manistee with Reverend James Bearss celebrant. Burial will follow at Mt. Carmel Cemetery also in Manistee.
The Family will receive friends at the church on Saturday morning one hour prior to the funeral mass. A luncheon will follow the funeral services, at the St. Joseph Parish Center in Manistee.
The Herbert Funeral Home of Manistee is in charge of funeral arrangements