Lois Alma Johannsen, 97, of Lyons, Kansas, passed away April 13, 2024, at Pleasant View Home, Inman.
She was born February 2, 1927, in Frederick, Kansas, the daughter of James Hans and Lola Emma (Speer) Christensen.
Lois was a near lifelong Lyons resident. She graduated from Frederick High School. Lois was a farm wife, candy striper and nurse aide at the Sterling Hospital, and was a dietary cook for Hospital District #1 of Rice County for over thirty years. She was a lifelong member of the Lyons Ladies VFW Auxiliary from 1944 until her passing. Lois enjoyed playing bingo, Yahtzee, Uno, Shanghai, knitting, quilting, gardening, and baking cookies and treats for the VFW.
On April 14, 1956, Lois was united in marriage with Leonard W. Johannsen in Raton, New Mexico. He preceded her in death on June 20, 1970. She is also preceded in death by her parents; son, Glenn Wayne Widener; six siblings, Garland Christensen, Ivan Christensen, Flossie Bussard, Joe Causey, Margaret Winters, and Velma “Jean” Mallory; great-granddaughter, Jayden Hicks; and great-grandson, Cullin Herbison.
Lois is survived by her four children, Larry Widener and wife Nejla of San Antonio, TX, Richard Widener and wife Linda of Wichita, KS, Janet “Kay” Wann of Hutchinson, KS, and Albert Johannsen and wife Cyndi of Wellington, KS; ten grandchildren; thirty-three great-grandchildren; and thirteen great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with Pastor Steve Sears officiating. Burial will follow at the Lyons Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Friday, April 19, 2024, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons, with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M.
Memorials may be given to Hospice and HomeCare of Reno County in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.