Lois Irene Van Dahm, 97, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully with her husband Thomas and daughter Ruth in spirit on Monday, November 4, 2024 at the Hospice Alliance Hospice House.
She was born on September 25, 1927 to the late Harold and Nella (Bowlin) Stanton in Allendale, MI. Lois attended a one room country school and graduated from Coopersville High School. Lois graduated second in her class for practical nurses at Grand Rapids, MI Jr. College. Her first employment was at Blodgett Memorial Hospital (now Spectrum) in polio ward and later worked at Holland Hospital in Holland, Michigan in the pediatrics nursery.Lois married Thomas E. Van Dahm on March 17, 1951 in Holland, MI. They lived in Pella, IA, Ann Arbor, MI, Rock Island, IL, Edwardsville, IL and Kenosha, WI. They were blessed with one daughter, Ruth.
After moving to Kenosha, Lois was employed at the Kenosha Achievement Center as a living skills instructor, then at the Kenosha Visiting Nurses Association as a home health aide.
Lois was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon, elder and Sunday school teacher.
Lois’ memberships include Carthage College Women’s Club, Kenosha Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, Kenosha County Homemaker’s, Red Hat Society (Ruby Rascals), Fireside Friends, PEO, Beta Book Club and was the founder of the local Lois club. With the Lois club she attended several national conventions, including a Lois Club cruise.
Lois enjoyed baking, playing word search games, reading, planning programs, writing poetry, sending cards and notes. Most of all, she loved being involved with her grandchildren and great grandchildren’s lives.
Lois is survived by her husband Thomas of 73 and a half years, a daughter Ruth (Leif) Dickinson, her grandchildren Zachary (Sarah) , Lucas (Samantha) and Hannah, her 10 great grandchildren Athena, Caleb, Edythe, Thor, Lola, Remy, Althea, Orion, Wyatt and Colton, a great-great grandson Eivor, nieces and nephews Larry, Timothy, Daniel, Greg, Jeff, Jim, Jane and extended family members.
She is preceded in death by her parents, siblings Russell Stanton, Edythe Dodd, in-laws Doris and Art Worthy, Eleanor and James Hoffman, Howard and Marge Van Dahm, nephews Darrell Stanton, David Stanton, Jon Van Dahm, Steven Hoffman, niece Sara Stebbins and many dear friends.
A Celebration for Lois will be held on Friday, November 15th at 1:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church (1803 – 83rd St.). Visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorials would be appreciated to First Presbyterian and Kenosha Literacy Council, 2419 63rd St. Kenosha, WI 53142.
