Lois K. O'Connell, 92, of Bankston, Iowa, was born into eternal life with Jesus Wednesday, December 21, 2016 at Manor Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa.
Friends and relatives of Lois may call from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday, December 26, 2016 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a wake service will be held at 2:30 p.m, and a CDA Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m.
Services for Lois will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at St. Clement's Catholic Church in Bankston, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller officiating and assisting Deacon, Dan O'Connell. Burial will be held in St. Clement's Cemetery in Bankston, Iowa.
Lois was born April 2, 1924 in Palmer, Iowa, daughter of John and Edna (Peters) Keleher. She received her education at Pomeroy Grade School and Palmer High School in Palmer, Iowa. On May 21, 1949 she was united in marriage to Henry O'Connell at Navity Catholic Church in Dubuque, Iowa.
She was a member of St. Clement's Parish and the Farley Catholic Daughters – Presentation court #1460. Lois was a kind gentle woman with a natural maternal instinct serving her family was her career, which she did joyfully and with great love. She was an amazing cook and talented seamstress who produced many beautiful bridesmaid dresses, quilts and personalized tapestries for her family and friends.
She is survived by her husband, Henry O'Connell of Bankston, IA, four children, Sherry (Greg) McGinn of Dubuque, IA, Kim (Paul) Forsberg of Santa Clara, CA, Daniel (Ellen) O'Connell of Bankston and Jack (Peri) O'Connell of Bankston, IA; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great grandchildren; two sisters, Shirley Harrold of Palmer, IA and Mary Lou Korte of Fort Dodge, IA; one brother, Keith (Lois) Keleher of Palmer, IA; one brother-in-law, Paul Benson of Des Moines, IA.
She is also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Kathleen O'Connell in May 1961; one sister, Naida Benson; one sister-in-law, Rosie (Bernard) Burds; two brothers-in-law, Owen Harrold and Robert Korte.
Lois K. O'Connell memorial fund has been established in lieu of flowers.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com
The family would like to Thank the staff at Manor Care and the Hospice of Dubuque for the great care they gave to Lois.