Metsale, Lois Mae

Lois Mae Metsale, 85, of Solon, passed away Jan. 30, 2013, in her home following a brief illness. Funeral services, with Father David Beckman presiding, will be 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, with a visitation an hour before. Interment will be at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Lois was born Feb. 7, 1927, in Brandon, Iowa, to John L. and Sylvia M. (Naylor) Spratte. She grew up in Vinton, the eldest of five children. Lois attended Mount Auburn High School, was a member of the band and was valedictorian of her class. After briefly attending Coe College, Lois married World War II veteran and POW Arnie H. Metsala of Chicago and they had two children together. Lois and her children returned to Iowa and she worked as a legal secretary for many years. She later attended the University of Iowa and received a General Studies degree.

Lois is survived by her two children, Janette (Stephen) Birney and Ronald (Trish) Metsala; five grandchildren, Michael (Wanda) Eby, Jason (Carmen) Eby, Scott Birney, Bethany Birney and Bradley Metsale; five great-grandchildren; and eight nieces and nephews. Her brothers include William E. (Janet) Spratte of Marion, John L. (Mary Ann) Spratte of Broomfield, Colo., and Lloyd D. (Lorraine) Spratte of Vinton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Frances L. Spratte.

Lois was a hard worker who very much loved her family. Music was her passion. Later in life she learned to play the piano, performing recitals and entertaining residents of local nursing homes. She also was a member of Voices of Experience, a Senior Center choir that ministered in the Iowa City area.

In lieu of flowers, friends are encouraged to give memorial donations in Lois's name to the Alzheimer's Association.

Online condolences may be directed to www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published Feb. 3, 2013 in The Gazette