Lois "Loiy" Faye Ihnen

     Lois 'Loiy' Faye Ihnen was born November 23, 1939 in Sibley, IA to Vernon and Erma Ihnen. She attended 12 years of school in Everly, IA, graduating in 1957. After earning her BA from Westmar College, she taught elementary school in Sioux Valley, Ocheyedan and Spirit Lake School districts, retiring in 1998 after teaching 38 years. She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Everly and taught Sunday School for 18 years. She became a member of First Lutheran in Milford in 1990.

     During her youth, Loiy loved being with friends and going to concerts at the Roof Garden and going to the roller rink.  She would often take nephews and nieces to the races in Jackson. Playing cards with the Gano family and spending time with the McKeens were also favorite pass times. 

     For many years, Loiy worked at the Pioneer Theatre in Milford, which was owned by longtime friend, Roger Blunt.  She was co-owner with Peg Fliss of the Learning Locker in Spirit Lake and she also joined Mary Kay Cosmetics in 1987.

     After retirement, Loiy enjoyed volunteer work at Lakes Regional Hospital, being on the board of Friends of the Library in Spirit Lake, crocheting (at least one afghan for all nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews), Red Hats and Federated Women activities, playing cards and especially, spending time with ‘wonderful’ nieces and nephews. Lois moved back to Everly in December, 2003.

     She loved her Class of 57 reunions and never missed an Ihnen reunion or a gathering of retired teachers. Loiy travelled to Alaska, Germany, Nashville, Montana, Arizona, and New England States with her favorite tour group guide, Sherri or Vi, Peg, Shirley, Marge and family members. She loved scrapbooking, baking cookies and making fritters, playing bingo, gardening and watching Twins’ baseball games.

     Loiy is survived by her sister, Marlis Tesch and family friend, Vi Ihnen; 8 nieces and nephews: Pat Thomsen(Terry), Mike Fell, Sandy Langner(Dale), Craig Tesch, Cindy Sonius(Jim), Carrie Tesch and Beth Conroy, Sharon Mitchell(Jim) and Teresa Kiewiet(Travis).  Also, 19 great-nieces and nephews and 25 great-greats with 3 expecting. She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Vernon(Pete) and Erma; sister, Bonnie Ihnen Fell; nephew, Mark Fell; Brother-in-laws Robert Tesch and Merlyn Fell; and friend, Roger Blunt.

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