Lois Hermsen

LOIS M. HERMSEN

Independence

Lois M. Hermsen, 76, of Independence, died Monday evening, Feb. 8, 2016, at Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.

Lois was born Jan. 17, 1940, in Independence, Iowa, the daughter of George and Bernice (McAreavy) Curry. She was a 1958 graduate of Jesup High School, Jesup, and on July 29, 1960, she was married to John D. Hermsen at St. John's Catholic Church, Independence. The couple made their home in Independence and Lois operated a daycare center out of her home from 1986 until her retirement in 2002.

She enjoyed baking, quilting and flower gardening. She loved spending time with her family.

Lois is survived by four children, Deb (Ralph) Stiefel, Winthrop, Diane (Steve) Leonard, Cedar Rapids, Mark (Dawn) Hermsen, Cedar Rapids, and Michael (Jenifer) Hermsen, Des Moines; six grandchildren; two brothers, Don Curry and Ron Curry, both of Independence; and a sister, Carol Woolery, Egan, Minn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John, in 2010; a son, Dean Hermsen; a sister, Rose Ann Curry; and three brothers, Laverne, Bernard and Leonard Curry.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday at St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, with the Rev. Don Plamondon officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 8 to 10 a.m. Friday at Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, where a rosary will be recited at 3 p.m. and parish vigil service held at 7 p.m. Thursday.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.reifffuneralhome.com