Lois Beneke

Lois M. Beneke, 70, of Waukon, IA, passed peacefully on Wednesday, January 27, 2021, surrounded by her family in Ankeny, IA. Funeral services will be held Monday, February 1st, at 11:00 AM at Zion United Church of Christ in Waukon with Rev. Cathy Jurgens officiating. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery, Waukon. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of services at the church on Monday. In consideration of concerns regarding Covid-19, social distancing and wearing of a mask is required. The service will be live streamed on Martin-Grau Funeral Home's facebook page. Martin-Grau Funeral Home in Waukon is handling arrangements. Services will also be available online. Condolences may be sent to Loren Beneke at 505 5th Avenue SW, Waukon, IA 52172.

Lois Marie Beneke was born August 6, 1950, in Waukon, Iowa, to Ordell and Virginia Bjerke. She was baptized and confirmed at Zion United Church of Christ. After graduating from Waukon High School, Lois earned her degree in cosmetology from Calmar Community College. Her first job was in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she worked in banking for nearly 2 years before coming back to Waukon to open her own hair salon, Skyline.

Lois met the love of her life, Loren Beneke, on a blind date and they were married just 6 months later. Loren and Lois were married at Zion UCC on September 22, 1973. Together they raised 2 children, Amy and Jacob, who were the light of her life. While raising her children, Lois also continued to style hair in the home, sold Avon, and provided in home daycare.

The church was large part of Lois' life. She worked as the secretary at Zion UCC for nearly 20 years. She also loved updating the bulletin boards with current events, changing out banners for different services, packing Christmas boxes, and preparing communion. She also took on the challenge of new initiatives that included the elevator edition and adding the contemporary service on Sunday morning. Her love of children also showed with leading numerous youth alive programs and the kids after school program.

Lois loved having her house full of people and created a home filled with love and laughter. She had a special power to make everyone feel at home and welcomed. She loved cooking, baking, and decorating for each special event. Lois also enjoyed spending time at their cabin on river with family and friends, feeding the birds and squirrels, and creating a large garden in the backyard around their koi pond. She was an amazing granny to her 7 grandchildren. She loved attending their events, taking them on special trips, and teaching them how to bake and cook.

Lois is survived by her husband Loren of Waukon; her two children: Amy (Adrian) Evans of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Jacob (Shashawna) Beneke of Ankeny, IA; grandchildren: Alex, Zayna, and Zoey Evans, and Omarion, Tyson, Jazi, and Amora Beneke; and her siblings: Karen (Randy) Loeb of Waukon, Lynn Bjerke of West Union, IA, and Bob (Cheryl) Bjerke of Decorah, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and father and mother-in-law Henry and Tillie Beneke.

Lois' grandchildren will serve as honorary casketbearers. Casketbearers are her nieces and nephews.