Lois K. Winters

Lois K. Winters passed away on March 26, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, just shy of her 94th birthday. Born on April 3, 1932, in Monroe, Wisconsin, Lois was one of two daughters to Edward and Kathryn (McDonald) Brandt. She would grow up to be a person with a vibrant soul, marked with warmth, generosity, and a relentless zest for living. Her youth was marked by a defining moment; during her time in high school, she would happen to meet a guy named Russell Winters. Their relationship blossomed quickly and steadily, and although he proposed early on, Lois chose to first finish her high school education before committing to marriage. A few months after graduation, the knot was finally tied. Together, their journey began by spanning the United States during his four-year Air Force service. Those years would lay the foundation for a love of travel and adventure that would last a lifetime. After Russell’s discharge, Rockford would serve as a place to settle down, with job opportunities and a closeness to their families. Eventually, it would also become the place to raise their five children.

Lois would go on to dedicate nearly three decades to ColorCraft/Qualtex before retiring in 1993. She also served as an election judge for more than 40 years. Retirement did not slow Lois down, her social calendar was as lively as her spirit. Early in retirement, her weekends were spent with a group of friends dancing at the Moose Club while during the week she immersed herself in her many hobbies. She enjoyed bowling and golf, was a dedicated member of the Thalian Association, and was an avid bridge player. She was a member of numerous bridge clubs, and sometimes played multiple times a week. Lois was always ready to embrace the day’s opportunities, sometimes juggling several events in a single day.

Travel also held a special place in her heart. It was a passion she shared with her husband, as they traveled across the US and Europe. They also took several cruises and, together in their motor home, took a dream trip across Canada and Alaska. After Russell’s passing in 1998, friends became pillars of support. An example of such friends was Shiv Mediratta, who became a special companion. With her many friends, Lois was able to share her travels with The Golden Agers Center and Ashton Travel, and they helped fill the void left by Russell’s absence. More so than anything else, Lois was a beloved and dedicated matriarch. She was the happiest when her family was together, especially during the holidays. Every holiday celebration found its heart at Lois’s home, where she tirelessly hosted well into her eighties, creating special and cherished memories. Being a natural hostess, her hospitality extended into playful traditions that extended outside of the holidays as well. Her closet held a secret treasure, a special box brimming with toys and candy, always ready to delight her grandchildren and neighborhood children alike. Lois delighted in hosting bingo games (complete with prizes) with her grandchildren, heart overflowing with the joy of shared moments and a little spirited competition. Lois left behind a genuine legacy - a life lived fully, a generous spirit, and the beauty of the moments she cultivated every day.

She is survived by those who loved her most, her children Pat (Robert) Kerr, Russell Ray (Carol) Jr., Michael (Kim) Winters, and Joanne (David) Cwynar; her grandchildren Sam Kerr, Jim Kerr, Leslie (Jason) Connor, Brett Loukota, Amy (Jared) Ruper, Jason (Sara) Winters, Kelly Winters, Michael (Nicole) Winters, Matthew (Celia) Cwynar, Kristin (John) Barmann, and Kaylin (Ryan) Christie, as well as 21 great grandchildren; her nephew Mike Jacobson, and niece, Sandy Bjorgen. She is predeceased by her husband of 48 years, Russell; their daughter Kathy and her husband John Loukota; parents Edward and Kathryn Brandt; her sister LaVonne (Ernest) Jacobson and her niece Michelle Jacobson.

Lois dealt with dementia in the last 3 years of her life that was made easier by the care of the staff at Highview in the Woodlands. They treated her as their family when we could not be there with her. In the last days of her life, Lois and her family received support and comfort from the Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation at Alpine-Fireside Health Center.

Memorials may be made in Lois' name to the Northern Illinois Hospice Foundation.

Visitation will take place on Friday, April 3, 2026 from 12:30 p.m. until the time of service, 1:30 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, Illinois, 61108. Immediately following, Lois will be laid to rest next to her beloved Russell in Arlington Memorial Park. To send condolences online or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com