September 21, 1936 – December 5, 2025
Lois May Strenge was born in Emmetsburg, Iowa on September 21, 1936, to Gilbert and Mildred (Neilson) Austin. She passed away at the age of 89 years, surrounded by her family on December 5, 2025, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
During World War II, Lois moved with her family to Oregon. At the end of the war the family returned to Emmetsburg, where Lois met George Strenge at the roller rink. She graduated from Emmetsburg High School and later the couple were married in Mountain Lake, Minnesota on July 1, 1954. They made their home in Estherville until 1996, when they moved to Spirit Lake. Lois was a beloved secretary at the Estherville High School for 30 years, retiring in 2001.
George and Lois were members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Estherville. Lois was known for her quick wit and deep love for her family. Together they enjoyed time boating on the lake with family and friends and sharing conversations on their deck overlooking the water. She loved spoiling her grandchildren, sewing, golfing, snowmobiling, and camping as well. As a couple, they travelled all around the United States and Canada delivering motorhomes for Winnebago. In recent years, they also loved wintering at their home in South Texas.
Lois is survived by George, her husband of 71 years, of Spirit Lake; her children Steven (Mona) Strenge of Estherville, Kevin (Evy) Strenge of Estherville, and Jacquelyn Brobst of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; six grandchildren Matthew (Jessica) Strenge, Brett (Kelly) Strenge, Brooke (Kris) Jerke, Austin (Marie) Strenge, Zachary Brobst, Nicholas Brobst, and 15 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law Richard (Tammy) Strenge, Rodney (Myrna) Strenge, and Roger Strenge.
Lois is preceded in death by her parents Gilbert and Mildred Austin, her in-laws George and Augusta Strenge, sister Marcella (Wendell) Giles, brother Glen (Margaret) Austin, sister-in-law Priscilla (Les) Petersen, niece Alesia Petersen, and nephew Stan Petersen.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Estherville or the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.
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