Lois Rae Stockhaus

ELWOOD—Lois Rae Stockhaus, 86, of Elwood and formerly of Rogers, AK, passed away Monday evening, April 2, 2018 at her home following a valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Born April 18, 1931 in Kansas City, KS, Lois Rae was a daughter of John Raymond and Iva Matilda (Blue) Hoag. She was raised and educated in Iowa and following her graduation from high school Lois moved to Washington D.C., where she gained employment with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. She later returned to Chicago, where she would meet William Axel Stockhaus whom she went on to marry on June 27, 1953 in Messiah Lutheran Church in Chicago.
While raising her family, Lois waitressed at several establishments including In the Round Dinner Playhouse, The Matter Horn Supper Club in Palos Park and Dunlap’s in Palos Heights. Prior to retirement she also worked for the United States Post Office in Oak Brook.
Together, Lois and William lived in Homer Glen prior to retiring to Rogers, AK. They then returned to Illinois in 2014, when they made their home in Elwood and became members of Elwood Community Church.
In her free time, Lois enjoyed gardening and canning. She also was a wonderful baker, and will be remembered for her holiday cookies. Her hobbies over the years entailed everything from golf, bowling and biking, to painting and sewing. Nothing gave Lois greater joy however than being together with friends and especially family. Many memories were made over countless games shared.
As a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Lois was generous, and hopeful. With a warrior’s spirit, she faced the challenges of chronic illness with grace and determination. In so doing, she inspired many and will long live in the hearts and memories of those who were blessed to share her life.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, William; three daughters: Sheryl (Randy) Friebele of High Point, NC; Julie (Steven) Friebele of Elwood, and Christine (Thomas) Duda of Homer Glen; eight grandchildren: Brian (Kelly) Friebele of Manhattan, Jill Friebele (Tom Boulware) of California, Audrey Friebele (Dustin Richmond) of Elwood; Rachel (Barret) Groome and Lisa (Daniel) Morris, both of North Carolina, Matt (Katie) Duda of Lemont, and Dan Duda and Alexis Duda, both of Homer Glen; seven great-grandchildren: Ava Friebele, Maciah Marszalek, Joseph Friebele, Trenton Richmond, Annabelle Friebele, Aiden Duda and Bryce Friebele Boulware; one brother, Jack (Betty) and three sisters: Grace, Carol and Doris, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as friends.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Lorraine.
The family extends special appreciation to Lois’ caregiver Rita Piekiene, for the love and care she provided to their wife, mom and grandma.
Per Lois’ wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.
The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Elwood Community Church, 101 South Chicago Street in Elwood, Illinois on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 10 a.m. until time of memorial service 11 a.m. Pastor Carrie Kapral will officiate.
Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Lois’ memory to the Parkinson's Foundation Chicago, 1241 Central Ave. PO Box 653 Wilmette, IL 60091
Family and friends may sign the guest book, upload photographs or share Lois’ memorial page on social medial by logging onto:www.BaskervilleFuneral.com/notices/Lois-Stockhaus
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington.