Lois Hartlaben

Lois Mae Hartlaben, age 91, of Navarino passed away on Wednesday, 2-2-2022 surrounded by family. She was contently listening as her children and grandchildren shared stories, surrounded with constant love. She was born on December 4, 1930 the daughter of the late Harold and Mildred Volkman.

Lois was united in marriage to LeRoy Hartlaben on August 4th, 1951. He preceded her in death on August 20, 2020.

She nourished us emotionally, spiritually, and physically with three full meals a day, including dessert. There was always cookies, snacks, or just a cup of coffee on the counter for everyone. She always asked if you needed something to eat. If no one was home, there was always a note on the cupboard letting us know where they were.

For her own kids, grandkids, neighbor's kids, friends and relatives the farm was a place to find peace and love. You always left with a warm heart.

As an only child she wanted a large family. Lois and LeRoy had 11 children which grew to a family of 90 plus.

Lois had a strong faith and was proud to be a Christian Mother for many years at St. Lawrence Catholic Church. She enjoyed her nights out with the Christian Mothers and made sure we didn't eat the sandwiches that were made for the ladies. She not only set the foundation of faith for her children, she also taught religious education to many children of the parish. Her service to the church included preparing funeral dinners for families, helping with the annual church picnic, or any other church function that she could be a part of.

This beautiful mom, grandma, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend left us physically, but she lives forever in the hearts of all of those who were blessed to have her pass through their life. Her words to all of us was, "There is good in every day".

Lois lived her life loving and caring for generations of family and friends.

She is survived by her children: Gary Hartlaben, Pete (Sharel) Hartlaben, Randy Hartlaben, Barb (Randy) Schmidt, Steve (Sheila) Hartlaben, Karen (Pat) Van Lanen, Chris (Rick) Stedl, Kathy (Paul) Dollhopf; son-in-law, Harold Shepard, Jr.; grandchildren: Amie (Dale) Olson, Craig (Megan Rosenlund) Hartlaben, Todd (Nicole) Hartlaben, Mike (Heather) Shepard, Morgan (Troy) Diburgo, Jacob (Mandy) Hartlaben, Wesley (Sarah Castellion) Hartlaben, Courtney (Dan) Gillespie, Colleen (Jesse) Kersten, Kyle (Jessica) Schmidt, Sara (Jordan) Fischer, Stacy (Cory) Bohm, Jenny (Jeff) Vande Hei, Kelly (Alex) Hill, Eric (Alli) Mullen, Clayton (Hailey McGlin) Van Lanen, Matthew (Amber Haack) Stedl, Mariah (Brandon Marcks) Stedl; great-grandchildren: Autumn Olson; Sean, Mason, and Hailey Shepard; Alexa (Mykal Noah) Hensley, Desmond and Paige Diburgo; Beckett, Brooks, and Boston Hartlaben; Chase and Grady Rosenlund; Claire, and Vincent Hartlaben; Quinn, Carrigan, and Amelia Hartlaben; Hayden Hartlaben; Nakiyah Castellion; Luke, Ezra, and Bryn Gillespie; Royan, Eirene, Miles, and Immanuel Kersten; Isaiah Schmidt; Landon and Natalie Fischer; Payten, Reid, and Wyatt Bohm; Alayna and Brayden Vande Hei; Dylan and Harper Hill; Grace, Anna, and Eve Mullen. Further survived by a sister-in-law, Ardell Vercauteren; and brother-in-law, Jerry Hartleben.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, LeRoy Hartlaben; daughter, Bette Shepard; sons: Thomas and Ronald Hartlaben; great-grandson, Levi Shepard; brothers-in-law: Floyd Zarnoth and Donald Hartleben; sisters-in-law: Naomi and Mickey Hartleben.

Friends may call at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, Navarino (W5125 State Highway 156) on Monday, February 7, 2022, from 9:00 am until the funeral mass at 11:00 am Fr. David Greskowiak officiating. Burial will take place in the parish cemetery.

Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home, Seymour, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be expressed to Lois's family at www.muehlboettcher.com