Lois Kudrna

LOIS E. KUDRNA

Center Point

Lois E. Kudrna, 89, a longtime resident of Center Point, died Sunday, May 29, 2016, in her home following a lengthy illness. Visitation: 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 2, at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Center Point, with a Scripture service at 3 p.m. Service: 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 3, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Walker. Burial: Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

Lois was born Jan. 28, 1927, in Princeton, Iowa, to Lena Agnes (Woestemeir) and Leo Jacob Ament. She graduated from St. Patrick's High School in 1945. She married Tony Kudrna on Sept. 27, 1947, at St. Matthews Church in Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include two sons, Gary (Joanne) of Des Moines and Kevin (Kristy) of Delhi; three daughters, Karol (Reggie) Crumes of Altoona, Susan (William) Nash of Keokuk and Kimberly (Steve) Simpson of Holmes Beach, Fla.; a sister-in-law, Mary Ament of Cedar Rapids; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tony; a son, Gregory; a daughter, Karen Benesh; three brothers, Donald, John (Patricia) and Vern; and five sisters, Mary Messinger, Robe (Earl) Pearson, Evelyn (William) Naughton, Delores Burger and Beatrice (Brick) Mintle.

Lois dedicated her entire life to her family and always put the needs of others before her own. She worked tirelessly as a farmer's wife and endured many hardships during her lifetime, but she always had the personal strength, constitution and faith to persevere. She loved music and never declined an opportunity to dance. Her many hobbies included bowling, playing cards, cooking and shopping. Lois always took pride in her personal appearance and always dressed stylishly.

Everyone loved Lois. During her 57 years on the farm, family and friends couldn't wait to visit and enjoy her famous fried chicken, kolaches and homemade pies. All were warmly welcomed by Lois, who made sure that whoever walked through her doorway never left hungry. This led to a virtual parade of people coming to the farm to share in Lois' gift for gracious hospitality.

From 1973 until 1996, she enjoyed working as a teacher's associate at Center Point Consolidated Schools. She was dedicated to her work and would never say no to any task that would help the teachers or the school run smoothly.

For the past 18 years, Lois wintered in Florida and spent her summers on the family farm. At either home, she enjoyed family visits, friendships, eating out and watching "Jeopardy," "Wheel of Fortune" and golf. Her quick wit was a source of great admiration.

Lois was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Walker, and the Alert Homemakers Club. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude, Camp Courageous or Center Point American Legion Auxiliary.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to everyone who helped care for her during her illness.

Please share a memory of Lois at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.