Lois Vivian Roehr, 94

Born: March 18, 1927 

Passed away: March 10, 2022

Lois Kroetsching Roehr, age 94, passed away at her home on March 10, 2022.

She was born on March 18, 1927, in Stratton, Neb., to Russell and Gertrude (Sharp) Kroetsching. She grew up in Sharon Springs, Kan., where she was valedictorian of her high school class. In her youth she endured the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and the death of her mother when she was 9 years old. Lois’ strong beliefs of right and wrong shaped her life, and when working in a movie theater at the age of 16 she refused to enforce the policy of segregating black patrons to the back of the theater. She simply stated, “It wasn’t right.”

When she moved to Woodstock, she met Lloyd Roehr while working at the Woodstock Typewriting Factory. In 1947 they married and resided in Woodstock for the duration of their marriage. They had a loving relationship and were devoted to raising their four daughters, Sandra Dixon (Larry Petersen), Janice Schwartz (Jeff), Nancy Lorch (Frank), and Francine Krueger (Kurt). She passed on the love of reading, cooking, and traveling to her “girls.” 

Lois is also survived by five grandchildren, Sean Lorch (Lindsay), Sarah Dixon, Marinne Leonard (John), Michael Dixon (Chelsea), and Dustin Krueger (Carrie); and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, her parents, a baby brother, and many aunts and uncles.

Lois was the foundation of our family, and we are heartbroken by her passing. 

Her family would like to thank Yuli, her devoted caregiver ,and Donna from JourneyCare Hospice for their tender care of our mother.

The visitation will be held at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, 1211 N. Seminary Ave., in Woodstock will be on Friday, March 18, 2022, from 3 p.m. to 5: p.m., with a prayer service at 5. 

Donations to the Red Cloud Indian School, which is going through a “truth and healing process” to face its past, would be appreciated. (Historic Mission Building, 100 Mission Drive, Pine Ridge, SD 57770). Or if you are so inclined, donations to the Woodstock Food Pantry would also be appreciated. 

For information, contact the Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home at 815-338-1710 or visit slmcfh.com