Lois Mae Gunderson

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Family was the centerpiece of Lois' life.

Lois Mae Gunderson, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center, just one week after celebrating her 93rd birthday.

Lois was born on September 13, 1933, the beloved youngest daughter of Louis and Clara (Theilig) Zastrow. She spent the majority of her life and built her deepest roots in Hawkins, Wisconsin. On June 7, 1952, Lois married the love of her life, Robert "Bobby" (Gunner) Gunderson Jr., while he was proudly serving as a United States Marine stationed at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. Together, they shared a lifetime of devotion and companionship. On April 17, 1961, their family became complete with the birth of their daughter, Jacklyn Matea.

Lois was a dedicated professional, working as an administrative assistant for several companies, including Jeld-Wen/Northern Sash and Door. She ultimately dedicated the final 32 years of her career to the Phillips School District, where her organization and warmth touched numerous staff and students before her retirement.

Outside of work, Lois was a gifted crafter who poured love into everything she made. Her hands were rarely still as she enjoyed embroidery, knitting, quilting and crocheting potholders, which she generously gifted to friends and family. Many of her happiest moments were spent at the family cabin on the South Fork of the Flambeau River. There she spent countless hours playing cribbage and 500 and making unforgettable memories with the people she loved the most.

Family was the centerpiece of Lois' life. She was a wonderful grandmother to Samantha and Kelsey and was absolutely overjoyed when they blessed her with six great-grandchildren, who brought a special sparkle to her later years.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Jackie (Brian) Buchholz; her granddaughters, Samantha (Scott) Lang and Kelsey (Dean) Eisold; and her six adored great-grandchildren: Bodie, Hayden, Teagan, Klein, Walker, and Murray. She is further survived by her brother-in-law Jerry Litvinoff, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert; parents, Louis and Clara Zastrow; her sisters, Phyllis Wisniewski and Ethel Simmons; sisters-in-law, Marian Coran and Sharon Litvinoff; and her brothers-in-law, Willie Wisniewski, Dick Simmons and Jon Coran.

A memorial service to celebrate Lois' life will be held on Saturday, October 17th, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Hawkins with Rev. Hailey Halmstad officiating. Visitation will be at the church from 1:00-2:00 p.m. with a service to follow at 2:00 p.m., followed by burial at Hillcrest Cemetery.

A complete obituary will also be published in the Ladysmith News.