June 7, 2019 – Milwaukee, WI – Lois Jean Graber (nee Ruess), 93, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2019, and was reunited in death with her late husband, James D. Graber. Lois had a generous, comforting, and positive presence that touched those around her throughout her long life.
Lois, born May 1,1926, to William and Lenore (Wesenberg) Ruess, grew up in Milwaukee with her older brother Don (deceased) and a beloved dog Tagalong. Lois spoke with adoration of this loving family, sharing memories of homemade cream puffs, welcoming Don home from war, and teasing Tag with his least favorite word (b-a-t-h).
Lois attended business school and proudly worked for Northwestern Mutual for many years, where she made lasting friendships and met her future husband. She and Jim married on September 14, 1956, and she was blessed to become stepmother to Patti (Jerry Schwarzmeier, deceased) and Gary Graber.
Lois called Jim the “love of her life,” and cherished their circle of friends, clubs, and trips to Waupaca. Together they raised three children: Tom, Laurie (Mike Klafke), and Jan (Charlie Gary). They lived in Wauwatosa, WI, for 50 years. Lois was a proud, loving, and engaged mom who formed lifelong friendships with other moms and doted on her children.
Known for her generous spirit, Lois was loved by so many throughout her life. Any given holiday brought a trove of greeting cards, nearly all of them with dogs and puppies smiling her way. Lois had a deep love of dogs, and she believed in lessons learned from them – all reflected in her loyalty, unending affection, and ability to enjoy even life’s simplest pleasures.
Lois will be remembered as a true friend, a loving mom, and wonderful grandma to her six grandchildren: Amy, Danielle, Tim, Melany, Josh, and Sarah.
Lois wanted anyone desiring to remember her through a memorial contribution to simply give to a favorite charity in her name.
The family would like to extend love and appreciation to the nurses and staff at St Anne’s Salvatorian Campus, LindenGrove Waukesha, Aurora St Luke’s hospital, and Heartland Hospice for their help, love, and care.
Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin on Monday, June 10, 2019, from 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM. Service at 6:45 PM. Private burial at Wisconsin Memorial Park.