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BORN
1928
DIED
2025
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Lois Skillrud Obituary
December 30, 1928 - September 17, 2025
Lois Amy Skillrud, age 96, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:16 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care in Normal. Born on December 30, 1928, in Moline, Illinois, Lois was the beloved daughter of Adolph and Amy Widing Dickhart.
Lois married Harold C. Skillrud on June 8, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Together, they shared a devoted partnership until Harold's passing on January 5, 2021. Lois and Harold were pillars of the St. John's Lutheran Church community in Bloomington, Illinois, playing instrumental roles in its growth and ministry.
Raised in Minnesota, Lois met Harold while attending Gustavus Adolphus College. She was an accomplished musician, known for her dedication to her craft and the joy she brought through music. Above all, Lois was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who touched the lives of many.
She is survived by her three children: Dr. David M. Skillrud of Bloomington; Janet Christine (Fredrick) Render of Downs; and John Harold Skillrud of Bloomington. Lois also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Hans (Donata) Skillrud, Kirsten (Chet) Imhoff, Leif (Victoria) Skillrud, Rikka (David) Wilton, Meta (Kolton) Canales, Linnea Skillrud, Andrew (Jordan) Bass, Christine (Danny Greenfield) Bass, and Nathaniel (Brielle) Bass. Her great-grandchildren include Chet Skillrud, Thomas and Clair Bass, and Ezra Greenfield. Additionally, Lois is remembered by her step-grandchildren Kara (Mike) Heuer, Janel (Brian) Rapp, and Chad (Amanda) Render, step great-grandchildren, Tucker, Carter, Jenna, Grace, Sydney, Cam and Mae as well as her sister-in-law Doris (Robert) Earl of Eden Prairie, Minnesota.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Daniel (Judy) Dickhart.
A visitation to honor Lois will be held from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon on Monday, September 29, 2025, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL. Her funeral service will follow at 12 Noon the same day, officiated by Pastors David Glesne and Lyn Kern. Lois will be laid to rest with a graveside service at 2:30 PM at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, IL.
The family kindly suggests that memorials be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL, in Lois's memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL.
Lois Skillrud's warmth, faith, and devotion to family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and service continues to inspire.
Friends and family are invited to view additional obituary details and share condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel1115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Memories and Condolences
for Lois Skillrud
Sponsored by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel.
2 Entries
Don and Jess Fagerberg
September 21, 2025
We have such wonderful memories of your beautiful and sweet mom. I know how much you will miss her. We´re sorry we don´t live close enough to attend the service but our love and thoughts are with all of you. Your mom and dad were a very special part of our lives and we thank God that we were blessed by their friendship. If you ever come to our part of Florida we would love to see you.
Jess and Don Fagerberg
Robert E Handley
September 21, 2025
To the family please accept my sincere condolences. I photographed many weddings with Harold, including their children. They were like a part of my family. Many cherished memories.
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