Lois Kaiser, a beloved family matriarch, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, June 1, 2026, after a courageous battle with AML, a rare form of leukemia. Lois was a constant source of love and strength throughout her life.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in her honor at St. Joseph Parish, in Sinsinawa, WI, on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Joseph Bellamkonda officiating. Family and friends may call from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the Miller Funeral Home in East Dubuque, IL, where the parish rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a second visitation from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on Monday at St. Joseph Church. Private family burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Born on July 6, 1940, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Joseph P. and Mary (Herkes) Kress, Lois’s life told a story of dedication, love, and service. Lois attended Holy Trinity School and later St. Joseph Academy for girls. Lois grew up on Rhomberg Avenue in the Point District. Her youth was spent riding her bike across town without worry and hiking the hills to Eagle Point Park. In her early years, Lois held a variety of jobs, including positions at SS Kresge, John W. Law Accounting, Flexsteel Industries, and the Melody Mill, where she met a tall good-looking lad from Wisconsin named Jerome. Their three-year courtship blossomed into a lifelong romance, and they were married on November 9, 1963. Lois and Jerome shared 56 years of marriage before Jerome, the love of her life, passed away in 2020.

With Jerome by her side, Lois, once a city girl, wholeheartedly embraced farm life. She became a devoted farm wife and loving mother, raising their five children in a warm and nurturing home. Her children were her deepest source of pride and joy. Lois took great pleasure in life on the farm, especially in gardening, canning, tending to daily chores, and bringing family together for special occasions. She also treasured the family’s summer vacations to the Wisconsin Dells, where countless cherished memories were created.

Family was at the heart of Lois's life, and her legacy lives on through the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild she loved so dearly. With the growing family, vacations took on a special meaning for Lois and Jerome. From weekends spent camping at local campgrounds to cross-country adventures in a large van or motorhome, Lois and Jerome cherished time with their children and grandchildren, gathering to celebrate special family occasions and strengthen family bonds. Lois took immense pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and found happiness in being part of their lives. She was a faithful supporter of their sporting events, school programs, and performances, celebrating every accomplishment with genuine enthusiasm, encouragement, and love.

A devout Catholic, Lois was deeply involved in St. Joseph Parish, in Sinsinawa, where she served as an officer with the Christian Mothers organization, taught CCD classes, and volunteered at parish events. Her passion for helping others extended to the local 4-H club, where she was a club leader for many years.

Her greatest accomplishment, however, was her tireless advocacy for individuals with special needs. Lois worked to create meaningful employment opportunities at Sinsinawa Mound for her daughter, Karen, and her classmates, an effort that made a lasting and meaningful difference in their lives.

Lois returned to the workforce when her children were grown, spending 25 years at Dubuque Bank and Trust. Her colleagues remember her not just for her professionalism but for her kindness and the genuine friendships she formed.

Those left to cherish Lois’ memories include her five children, Steve (Kathy) Kaiser, Dennis (Katrina) Kaiser, Janet (Kirk) Mack, Diane (William) Pearce, and Karen Kaiser; her thirteen grandchildren, Holly (Matt) Clendenen, Ryan (Tara) Kaiser, Adam (Brooke) Kaiser, Stacy (Tom) Pickel, Aaron (Mallory) Kaiser, Nicholas Kaiser, Kailee Kaiser, Caden Kaiser, Courtney (Maverick) Mack, Josh (Kerry) Pearce, Jessica (Tyler) Speth, Melissa Pearce, Becca Pearce; her twenty-one great-grandchildren, Carter, Kennedy & Kellen Clendenen, Callie, Charlotte, & Keston Kaiser, Charlee, Hayden, Dexter, & Archie Kaiser, Kobe, Ezra, & Harper Pickel, Everett, Elliott, Emmory, & Enzlee Kaiser, William Pearce & baby girl Pearce due in June, and Macy & Maverick Speth; her great-great-grandchild, Kaysen Walker; her siblings, Jim (Mary) Kress, Tom (Kathy) Kress, Dan (Gina) Kress, Jayne (Dick) Breitbach, & Rick Kress; and her sister-in-law, Germaine (Jim) Hying. 

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jerome; her sister-in-law, Shelley Kress; brothers/sisters-in-law, Ireneaus (Myrtle) Kaiser, Norbert (Gracie) Kaiser, and Jeanette (Harvey) Schroeder; niece, Linda (Kaiser) Sue; and nephews, Jason and Jamie Kress.

Her children wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to their sister Diane and her husband Will for their love and support over the past eight years. As their father’s health declined, Diane and Will made the selfless decision to move in with Lois, Jerome, and Karen, providing daily care and unwavering support. Their kindness and sacrifice will forever be remembered. The family also extends their sincere appreciation to the doctors and staff at the Cancer Center at MercyOne, as well as the dedicated caregivers at Hospice of Dubuque, for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided throughout this journey.

In remembering Lois, her family and friends celebrate a life well-lived, filled with love and laughter. Her legacy continues to inspire all who knew her. As we bid her farewell, we take solace in knowing that her spirit lives on in the hearts of those she touched. In her own words, Lois wanted everyone to remember: “Laugh with me, laugh at me, but no matter what, laugh—because laughter is the best medicine.”

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©