Lois Marie Wistenberg was born Dec. 27, 1938, on her family’s farm near Grand Junction. She passed away Nov.7, 2026, after a long and full life, leaving behind a family who will forever cherish her love, laughter, stories, and the countless memories they shared.
On Dec. 22, 1984, Lois married Dean Wistenberg, the love of her life. Together, they built a life and raised six children: Drew, Lisa, Shon, Mary, Tony, and Kim. Family was at the heart of Lois’s life, and she had a way of making sure everyone was taken care of, well fed, and never short on advice.
Lois was a hard worker in every sense of the word. There wasn’t much she couldn’t do, and she rarely sat still. Throughout her life, she often worked multiple jobs at a time, including Schoppes, The Redwood, and Truck Haven Cafe.
Much of her working life was devoted to caring for others. She spent many years as a caregiver at Jefferson Manor, Greene County Public Health, and Evergreene Ridge, continuing her work well past the age of 80. Her dedication, compassion, and strong work ethic were simply part of who she was.
When Lois wasn’t working, she could often be found in her garden, tending to her plants, or in the kitchen canning and preparing food. She was a fabulous cook who always made everyone’s favorite dishes whenever family came to visit. Her home was a place where there was always something good to eat and plenty of stories to share.
Lois was a woman of many talents. She could sew just about anything, run a chainsaw, work with her hands, and tackle nearly any task put in front of her. She was resourceful, independent, determined, and never afraid of hard work.
She also had a love for sports, especially basketball. Lois played basketball and softball for Don and The Country Bells for many years, making memories and friendships along the way.
Those who knew Lois will remember her for many things. She made us laugh, gave us more than a few scoldings, taught us unforgettable life lessons, and shared endless stories. She had a way of speaking her mind, keeping everyone on their toes, and making sure we learned a thing or two along the way. Her words, wisdom, humor, and sometimes perfectly timed scoldings will be remembered for years to come.
Lois lived a long life and had a lot of fun along the way. She worked hard, loved deeply, raised her family, cared for countless others, and left her mark on so many lives. She taught us the value of hard work, the importance of family, and how to make the most of the time we are given.
Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the lessons she taught, the recipes we will continue to make, the stories we will continue to tell, and the memories that will never fade.
She lived life on her own terms, loved her family fiercely, and certainly left us with plenty of stories to tell.
Rest peacefully, Lois. You will forever be loved and remembered.
Lois was preceded in death by her husband Dean; her son Drew Florman; her grandson Caleb Anderson; siblings Paul, Leonard, Leon, and Lillie; and many nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her children: Lisa (Troy) Anderson of Perry, Shon (Larry) Blake of Jefferson, Mary Norman of Missouri Valley, Tony (Patti) Florman of Mason City, and Kimberly Luther of Urbandale, 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; niece Diane (Nicole) Lundberg; nephew Mike (Cherie) Florman; other relatives; and friends.
A graveside service will be held Friday, Nov. 13, 2026, at Jefferson Municipal Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family. Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.sliningerschroeder.com.
