Lois Wohlwend Himsl, 94

Lois Wohlwend Himsl passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2010, at the Brendan House, at the tender age of 94. Lois was born on June 8, 1915, in Northgate, N.D., to Jennie (Hadwin) and Benedict Wohlwend. When she was in the seventh grade, her family moved to Kalispell. She graduated from Flathead County High School and the University of Montana. She was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority throughout her life. Upon graduation, she took a teaching position in Broadus. A dashing young superintendent hired Lois over the phone, and she was off to her first employment. On July 18, 1940, she married that superintendent, Matt Himsl. Matt often said Lois worked for me for three years, and I worked for her for 66 years. In 1945, and after their son Allen was born, Matt and Lois returned to Kalispell to be near the Wohlwends. Four daughters followed: Marilyn, Louise, Kathy and Judi. Lois gave freely of her time to several organizations. She was a founding member of the Hospital Volunteers and served as its president. As a member of the Republican Women, it was Lois inspiration that the Republican Women sponsored the Chocolate Extravaganza. She was an active member in American Association of University Women, Home Demonstration and the Altar Society of St. Matthews. In later years, Central School Museum became the focus of her energy. She supported the museum s fundraising efforts by establishing the Chair-ity Auction and Antique Bridal Show, which was held in her home at 305 Fourth Avenue East. The Himsls opened their historic home for various community fundraisers and events. Never idle, and an accomplished artist, she filled countless hours with creative endeavors including painting, stained glass, needlework, millinery and sewing. Christmas was a special time at the Himsl home. No space was left undecorated. The life sized paper mache angel which Lois made adorned the front porch of the Himsl home and was enjoyed by many. The family cabin on Flathead Lake was a huge part of Lois life. It was being surrounded by her children, grandchildren and parents at the lake that Lois loved the most. This is the legacy she leaves her children and grandchildren. Lois children and family are forever grateful to caregivers Connie Kenfield and the staffs at Prestige Assisted Living and the Brendan House for the tender and loving care they provided to Lois. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister Buryl. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Allen and Linda Himsl of Kalispell, Marilyn and Bernie Olson of Lakeside, Louise and Bob Robinson of Helena, Kathy and Rick Spear of Dallas, Ore., and Judi Choury of Denver; her grandchildren, Mark, Mike and Nick Himsl, Aaron and Adam Olson, Missy McCormick and Benji Robinson, and Jamison Choury; and fifteen great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial for Lois will be held at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, March 16, at St. Matthews Catholic Church. Visitation will held from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. on Monday, March 15, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Central School Museum or to the charity of the donor s choice. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Lois family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Lois tribute wall.