Lois Patricia Nelson

Lois Patricia (Disrud) Nelson, age 88 of Covina, California died on April 8, 2016. Lois was born on January 17, 1928 in Blanchardville, Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison in 1950 with a Bachelors degree in Music. Following graduation, Lois taught music (instrumental and choral) in various schools around the Blanchardville area, including Mt. Horeb and Blanchardville high schools. Lois married Leon Nelson in 1951 and settled in her hometown of Blanchardville where he owned and operated a jewelry store. After moving to Plymouth, Wisconsin, their daughter Gayle Lynn was born in 1967 and Lois retired from teaching. Lois was a beloved music director, and positively impacted numerous students in her 17 years of teaching, leading musicals, performances, and parades and instilling confidence in her pupils. The family moved to California in 1971, and other than a few brief years in Arizona, this state remained her home. In 1982 while living in Tehachapi, California, Lois took up a new profession as a legal secretary, while also substitute teaching upon occasion. There she directed the church choir at Mountain Bible Church and found great joy in worshipping God through beautiful music. She continued her legal secretary work when she and Leon moved to Palm Springs in 1989 and then retired in the 1990's. Leon and Lois moved to the Masonic Home at Covina in 2004. Throughout her life she was called upon to play piano and organ at churches, Eastern Star, school functions and other community activities. Lois so enjoyed bringing music to any occasion.

Lois became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in September 1952 in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. She served as Worthy Matron for the first time in 1962. She moved her membership to California in 1971 to Desert Holly Chapter in Ridgecrest, California and has since affiliated with Mt. Whitney Chapter (Bishop, CA), Tehachapi Chapter, Palm Springs Chapter and finally Arcadia Chapter, holding various offices, but of course most frequently Musician.

Lois was an active member of Lorraine Avenue Baptist Church and played piano often at the weekly Vespers service at the Masonic home. Her love of music was passed on to her daughter, who played clarinet from middle school through college, and sings in church choir. Lois' grandchildren are also music-lovers and have actively participated in their school and church choirs since elementary school. Her musical legacy will live on in future generations.

Lois' faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior was clear and strong; never more on display than when her beloved Leon passed away in August of 2015. She never wavered in her conviction that she would be reunited with him in heaven with their Heavenly Father. Lois was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Gayle Lynn, son-in-law Phil, grandson John Leon (18 yrs) and granddaughter Nicole Renee (15 yrs). Her family misses her tremendously, but we look forward to seeing her again.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday morning, July 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM at New Hope Lutheran church (formerly Blanchardville Lutheran) in Blanchardville. A brief prayer service will follow at 11:00 AM in the church, followed by a graveside committal service in the Graceland Cemetery in Blanchardville. Rev. Michelle Elfers is officiating. The Saether Funeral Home in Blanchardville is assisting the family. Online memories and condolences can be shared with the family at www.saetherfuneralhome.com.