Lois M. Wetzel, age 88, passed away on Tuesday March 14, 2023, in Shawano.

Lois was born in Birnamwood, Wisconsin on June 22, 1934, to the late Byron and Emma (Anderson) Hawkins. The family owned the General Store in Birnamwood and Lois worked as a pin setter at Chet and Emil’s. After graduating from Birnamwood High School with the class of 1952, Lois enrolled in college at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh where she earned a degree in teaching. On August 14, 1960, Lois was united in marriage to Leonard Wetzel in Birnamwood. Leonard preceded her in death on April 20, 2017. Lois taught in the Beloit, Shawano, and Bonduel School Districts for over 20 years before retiring. She loved to swim and often swam all the way across La Motte Lake and Round Lake of the Cloverleaf Lakes chain. Lois cherished her memories of numerous family vacations. In her free time, she enjoyed baking and taking trips to the casino. She was a natural storyteller, often telling stories about traveling to Mexico, Colorado, Manitowish Waters, and Mayflower Lake. Lois was a member of Shawano Hospital Auxiliary, avid member of the Lois Club and the first woman to serve on the Peace United Church of Christ Council. On Wednesday nights you could find her at R&R, bowling with friends on ladies’ night. She loved following sports and was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers. First and foremost, she was dedicated to her family. She loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as her nieces and nephews with all her heart.

Lois is survived by her children, Lori Wetzel, of Milwaukee and Lee (Mary) Wetzel, of Cloverleaf Lakes; grandchildren, Lucas Wetzel and Stephanie (Jacob) Stilen; great-grandsons, Dennis and Wesley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Lois is preceded in death by her husband, Len; her son Lawrence “Larry” Wetzel; her parents, Byron and Emma; and her sisters, Ruth (Bob) Gatz and Jean (Norbert) Letarski.

A memorial service to honor Lois will be held at 11:00 am on Friday March 24, 2023, at Peace United Church of Christ in Shawano, with Rev. Uriah Williams officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service.

www.swedbergfuneralhome.com