Lois Irene Lescelius

Lois Irene Lescelius, 85, went home peacefully to be with our Father in heaven on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, from her home. A descendant of Finnish immigrants who settled in the Copper Country area of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the late 1890s, Lois was born June 30, 1938, in Houghton, Michigan to Irene and Edwin Klemett. Lois graduated nursing school as an RN from St. Lukes Hospital School of Nursing in 1959. On July 25, 1959, Lois married her true love, Raymond O Lescelius in Hancock, Michigan. Lois & Ray moved to the Chicago area where they raised their family and Lois started her 30 year nursing career at Elmhurst Hospital. In 1992, Lois blazed the trail at 46 years old and attended Elmhurst College to earn an additional degree, receiving prestigious academic achievement awards. 

In their retirement years, Lois & her husband, Ray enjoyed watching their children and grandchildren grow and many times, spending time at the family Kamp in the UP of Michigan together. They were also instrumental in preserving Finnish culture in the United States through their work with the Finnish-American society. Lois considered it a great joy to serve the Lord as a lifetime member of the Lutheran Church and was an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Villa Park IL from 1963 until transferring to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, St. Charles IL in 2018. Shortly after Lois was diagnosed with Alzheimers, Lois and her husband were invited to live with their son and daughter-in-law, who became her full-time caregiver.

In addition to being an amazing cook, Lois had a strong faith in God and uplifted many along life’s journey and brought much joy to all who served her in the later years. Lois lived her faith and was frequently recognized for her outstanding care for people in both personal and professional relationships. Serving as a Stephen's Minister was just one of the ways Lois followed Christ and was used by Him to aid those who were hurting or struggling. Another part of her eternal legacy is carried on through those who were encouraged in the faith or came to faith because of her life. 

Lois is survived by: brothers Philip and Rick Klemett, sister Kathy Kind and children, Kevin Lescelius (Loreta), Karl Lescelius (Kimberly), and grandchildren Nathan (Julia) and Emily Lescelius. 

A service celebrating Lois’ life will be held in Chassell Michigan at 2pm on Saturday June 15th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Soren officiating with interment immediately following. 

Memorials may be sent to: 

  * Finnish American Society of the Midwest (FASM) 407 South 6th Ave, 

     St. Charles, IL 60174, Please add Lois Lescelius in the memo line. 

 *  Alzheimer's Association - Walking for Lois                       

 *  St. Paul Lutheran Church