Lois Heiring

Lois M. Heiring, age 89 of Belmont, Wisconsin, passed away with her family by her side, on April 14, 2024, at Bethany Home in Dubuque, Iowa. Lois was born in Cuba City, Wisconsin on May 27, 1934, to Vincent and Delores (Folmer) Houtakker. She attended grade school in a one room schoolhouse, Vickers School and then went on to graduate from Belmont High School. Lois moved to Dubuque, where she attended Bayless Business College in Dubuque, and then proceeded to work at Coca Cola as an office manager for four years. She was very proud to be a single working woman in the early 1950's because very few women did in those days. During this time, she lived at Mary Queen of Angels, a boarding house for women and loved to tell stories of her time there. 

After many dances at the Melody Mill, Lois married the love of her life, Ed Heiring, on August 22, 1956, at St. Peter's Catholic Church, Elk Grove, Wisconsin. Lois and Ed raised their five children on the family farm outside of Belmont. Lois was always by Ed's side helping in the barn, assisting with fieldwork, along with cooking, summer gardening, and canning. Lois was also a very skilled and talented seamstress and baker. She is best known for her homemade pies and various breads. She passed down her love of growing flowers to her daughters and grandchildren. She found joy in feeding and watching the birds.

She and Ed spent many summers fishing in Northern Wisconsin and handed down her fishing tips onto her children and grandchildren. Even though Lois and Ed were not able to dance much in their later years, Lois loved Big Band music and dancing to a good waltz. 

For many years Lois was part of the Homemaker's Club and for over 50 years, Lois and Ed were members of several card clubs. They also enjoyed going for drives in the country and stopping for an ice-cream cone. Lois believed in giving back to her community. She volunteered her time with her church, the Belmont School and Community Fair, Pleasant View 4-H Club, and the Belmont Historical Society. After retiring from the farm, Lois worked part-time at Land's End for ten years.

Lois was a long standing, faithful member of St. Philomena Catholic Church. Most importantly, Lois will be remembered for her dedication to her husband, caring for him through his many years of health issues. Ed always said Lois was the best nurse he could have ever had!

Lois is survived by her children, Tom Heiring, Charlotte (Ed) Tracy, Julie Havens, Ann (Michael) James, and Mary (Dean) Simmons; thirteen grandchildren; 15 great grandsons, 1 great granddaughter, two more on the way; sister, Joyce (Jim) Kliebenstein, sister-in-law, Reta Houtakker and brother-in-law, Mark Lowery. She was proceeded in death by her husband Ed in 2022, son, Timothy Edward in infancy; her parents, four siblings and numerous in-laws. 

Mass of Christian burial will be at Noon, Saturday, April 27, 2024 at St. Philomena Catholic Church, Belmont, Wisconsin. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery, Belmont. Visitation will be from 9:30 AM – 11:45 AM at the church. The Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville is serving the family. In lieu of flowers , donations can be made to a local food pantry in Lois's memory. A memorial fund has also been established in Lois's name. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com. 

The family wishes to thank Bethany Home for their exceptional care given to Lois over the past few years.