Lois E. LaFleur

Lois E. LaFleur, 93, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Sunrise Health Center in Sioux City, IA.

Services to celebrate Lois's remarkable life will be held on Saturday, January 27, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Jefferson, South Dakota. Visitation with the family will take place on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral mass at 12:00 PM. Her final resting place will be St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery. The compassionate professionals at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel in Sioux City are honored to oversee the arrangements.

Lois entered this world on August 7, 1930, in Jefferson, South Dakota, as the cherished daughter of Ernest and Celia Landers. She grew up in Jefferson, graduating high school in 1948. Lois continued her education at Presentation College in Aberdeen, S.D., where she earned her teaching certificate. Her passion for education led her to teach for a year at Gibson (one-room) country school.

On May 24, 1950, Lois married the love of her life, Russ LaFleur, in Jefferson, South Dakota. After a year of teaching, she embraced the role of homemaker, dedicating herself to raising four rambunctious boys. Lois's unwavering faith in God and her devotion to family were the cornerstones of her life. She found immense joy in supporting her sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at their sporting events. Whether lounging by the pool or trying her luck at the penny slots with her sister Elaine at Beano and Sherry’s, Lois embraced life with enthusiasm. Her loyalty extended to Jefferson High School, Bishop Heelan Catholic Schools, and the University of Iowa Hawkeyes.

Lois is survived by her three sons and their spouses: Dan LaFleur (Debbie) of Jefferson, Doug LaFleur (Marti) of Sioux City, and Ernie LaFleur (Mary) of Jefferson; a daughter-in-law, Kathy LaFleur of Jefferson. She leaves a legacy of love with 11 grandchildren: Matt LaFleur (Kris), Jess LaFleur (Nicole), Ben LaFleur (Betsy), Jon LaFleur (Katie), Jenny Schwede (Tony), Jacque Beck (Barry), Bryan LaFleur (Alexis), Allison Brown (Jonathon), Lindsay Staley (Craig), Tocia Hanna (Joe), and Dr. Nate LaFleur (Kate). Lois's zest for life continues through 27 great-grandchildren. She cherished close friendships with Kenny Dahm, as well as with Kayla Thiry and her sons Kamrynn and Kaysonn.

Lois was reunited in eternity with her husband, Russ; a son, Rick; her parents, Ernest and Celia; two brothers, Donald and John; a sister, Elaine; and a great-grandson, Jonathan.

Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to St. Peter’s Catholic Church Building Fund or the Bishop Heelan Knights Foundation, honoring Lois's commitment to faith and education. Lois will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the enduring love she shared with those fortunate enough to be a part of her life. May she rest in eternal peace.

The family wishes to thank the staff at the Bernstein Unit at Sunrise Retirement Community and St. Croix Hospice for their outstanding care.