Lois Ilene (Almquist) Schulmeister

On September 13, 2023, just days after celebrating her 85th birthday, Lois Ilene Schulmeister of Crystal Lake, IL passed away leaving behind a rich tapestry of cherished memories crafted from love, dedication, and a knack for bringing joy to others.

Born on September 3, 1938, to Frank and Erna Almquist in Moline, IL, Lois embraced life with a generous heart and a spirited personality that drew people close. Her tender journey blossomed further when she married her lifelong partner, Edward Schulmeister, on June 15, 1958, in Moline.

Lois had a special fondness for people, a quality that reverberated in her enviable collection of celebrity autographs, and her keenness for events and wedding planning, always executed with meticulous detail and a touch of flair. In her professional life, her nurturing spirit found a home at Ace Hardware where she worked for 31 commendable years, becoming the director of Human Resource and earning the affectionate nickname "Mother Ace."

Devoted to her family, Lois embraced her role as the nurturing cornerstone, always proud of her three children's achievements. She carried this warmth into her grandparent role, beaming with joy and pride for her beloved granddaughter, Kellie, whose school events became a shared adventure with Ed.  

She shared her love for travel, gardening, and her generous acts of kindness with not only her family, but her friends and community.  Being an only child, her friends became her family.

Deep in faith, Lois was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where she served on the Altar Guild; a place where she fostered community and spirituality.

Lois’s wish for us is simple: to hold onto the happy times and, to keep her spirit alive in our hearts and memories.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 65 years, Edward; her loving children Marcia (Melinda Flohr), Janis (Gerald) Rohrer, and Steven (Christine) Schulmeister; and the apple of her eye, granddaughter, Kellie Roher. Her legacy of love and generosity also remains with her many treasured friends.

A visitation will be Wednesday, September 20, from 4pm to 8pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory (Crystal Lake, IL).  The funeral will be at 3pm on Thursday, preceded by a viewing at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Crystal Lake.  A luncheon will follow.   

An additional visitation will take place at Van Hoe Funeral Home in East Moline, IL on Friday, September 22, from 6:00pm to 8:00 pm. Graveside services will be 12:30 pm, Saturday, September 23,at Riverside Cemetery (Moline, IL).

In Lois's honor, memorials can be made to the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, a testament to her enduring faith and service, or to the family for their discretion.

Lois, or “Mom-Mom” as Kellie affectionately called her, will always be remembered not just as a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, but as a beacon of joy, bringing light and happiness to all who knew her. Let's carry her cherished memory forward, fulfilling her heartfelt wish by keeping her in our daily lives with smiles, love, and acts of kindness. Rest well, dear Lois, your love lives on in all who were privileged to know you.

Online condolences may be expressed at vanhoe.com

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