Lois M. Pieper

Lois Marilyn (Iverson) Pieper, was graciously carried to heaven by her Lord on March 4, 2026 just short of her 97th birthday. Lois was born on the family farm near Fertile, MN on April 9, 1929 to Martin and Martha (Opheim) Iverson. She and her sisters, Pearl and Kay, had a wonderful childhood on the farm despite growing up during the great depression. She started school in a one room country school house until the family moved to town. At age 14 she boarded at Bethany Lutheran in Mankato, MN where she finished high school and completed her Freshman and Sophomore college years. She met her future husband, Carl G. Pieper at Bethany. She completed her teaching degree at Mankato State. Carl and Lois were married and moved to Stoughton, WI in 1953 where Lois began her career as the art teacher for all of Stoughton Schools. After a short leave to have her three children, Lois resumed teaching art at Kegonsa Elementary School in Stoughton until her retirement in 1991. Lois taught thousands of students in Stoughton throughout her career, including children and even grandchildren of former students.

Lois was active and involved in the Stoughton community for much of her life. She was part of many community organizations including American Scandinavian Foundation, Vestlandslag, Vossalag, Stoughton Cable TV (she was sometimes called the "Jane Pauley of Stoughton"), Stoughton Historical Society, Landmarks Historic Preservation, Sons of Norway, various Syttende Mai committees and the New Century Club. She was active in her church, Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, being involved in Choir, Sunday School, and Ladies Aid Lutefisk Dinners. Lois lived a life of faith and dedication to her God, her family and her friends and students.

Lois is survived by her sister, Kathleen (Kay) Tillotson of Owatona, MN, her children Chris (Dawn) Pieper of Woodruff, WI, Carolyn (David) Benforado of Madison, WI and Bill (Brenda) Pieper of Taiwan, grandchildren Rachel (Dan) Meydell, Ryan (Allison) Pieper, Rebekah (Aaron) King, Sarah and Charlie Benforado, Bruno and Martin Pieper and great grandson, Jacob Meydell as well as many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, her parents and sisters Pearl (Melvin) Dale and Sylvia Iverson, inlaws Gertrude and Vincent Neuman, Doris and Earl Martyn, Magdalene and Robert Firle, Lois and Egbert Albrect, John Tillotson and Melvin Dale.

A visitation will be held at Cress Funeral Home, 206 W. Prospect Street, Stoughton, WI at 4-6 pm on Friday, April 17, 2026. A memorial service will be held at Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Cottage Grove, WI at 11 am with visitation at 10 am on Saturday, April 18, 2026. If you are not able to join us in person, please register at the following link to view the service: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=eec74b0e-55a4-4433-b29b-69c2558380ca. Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com.

Memorials may be made to Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church, Bethany Lutheran College and the Stoughton Historical Society.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful care given by Dr Guirish Agni and staff at SSM Health, the staff at Agrace, the staff at both Skaalen Heights and Skaalen Heritage Center. Thank you for your kind and thorough service. The family also wishes to thank Pastor Trent Saari of Western Koshkonong Lutheran Church for his excellent and ongoing spiritual support provided for mom especially when she was no longer able to attend church in person.