Lois Bagby
June 8, 1930 — October 20, 2017
Lois Charlene Bagby, 87, Wausau, died Friday, October 20, 2017 at Gardenside Crossing at North Central Health Care, Wausau, surrounded by her loving family.
Lois was born June 8, 1930 in Wausau to the late Charles and Minnie (Donner) Frank. She was baptized on July 1, 1930 and confirmed on April 18, 1943 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Stewart Ave. Lois was a 1947 graduate of Wausau High School. She married the love of her life, Barney “Wink” Bagby on December 28, 1955 at Trinity Lutheran Church. The couple was blessed with four children: Cynthia, John, Thomas and Sherri, and two grandsons, Matthew & David. Lois and Wink were retired when their grandsons were born, and were blessed to spend many of their days helping care for “the boysies.” Most of Lois’s working life was spent at John Muir Middle School, where she was invaluable as the secretary in the counseling department. Many who passed through JMMS have a lasting memory of Mrs. Bagby’s love and kindness. Lois bid farewell to her beloved husband of 57 years on December 13, 2013 when Wink went on ahead to Heaven.
Faith and family were of paramount importance throughout Lois’s life. Lois always made sure that the family went to church together every Sunday, and marched the children to the front pew when they were young. She instilled in her children and grandsons the same love and devotion to God that she had. She was very active at First English Lutheran Church, teaching Sunday School, serving as Vacation Bible School Superintendent, singing in the choir and actively helping with the ladies’ Circles. Her love and support for her children and grandsons was unwavering; she would go to every sporting event, concert, conference and activity that they had. Lois was a Den Mother, Room Mother and active member of the PTA at Grant Elementary School. Lois & Wink enjoyed travelling. They took the children to Tennessee every year to visit Wink’s family. They visited many other states including Hawaii. Many later trips were with Lois’s sisters and brothers-in-law, usually by bus and train. A very special trip was to Mexico with the family to celebrate their 50 wedding anniversary. Lois was a huge Badgers & Packers fan, and loved going to games. Many fun days were spent at Camp Randall watching the game, and the band. Lois and Wink enjoyed going to the Jan 1, 1999 Rose Bowl game with daughter Sherri.
Lois is survived by her loving children, Cynthia (Mike) Rauen, John Bagby, Thomas (Toni) Bagby and Sherri Bagby, all of Wausau; grandsons, Matthew Bagby (UW Madison) and David Bagby of Wausau; sisters, Arlet Johnson, Carol Leubner, Nancy Hoeppner, Joyce Louthan and Sandra (Jerry) Ermeling; sisters-in-law, Ruth Bagby and Nancy Bagby Cornell; and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister, Wilma (James) Cherek; sisters-in-law, Mattie (William) White and Mary Lou (Arthur) Davis; brothers-in-law, Robert Johnson, Lowell Leubner, Roy Hoeppner, Wilbur Louthan, William Bagby, Alfred (Sara) Bagby and Jesse Bagby.
The funeral service for Lois will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 28, 2017 at First English Lutheran Church, Wausau. Pastor Erik Olson will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Committal will be at Pine Grove Cemetery. Helke Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements; you may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.
Memorials may be directed to First English Lutheran Church. (402 N. 3rd Ave, Wausau, WI 54401)
The family wishes to thank the staff at MVCC-Gardenside Crossing for their loving care of our Mom. God blessed you with kind and compassionate hearts, and you have been a blessing to us.
“Our parents did not have abundant earthly treasures. They had something far more precious – a home filled with love, many happy times with family and friends, and a strong faith. They passed that faith on to us, their children and grandsons, and it is that which sustains us during this difficult time. We miss our Mom and Grammy, but have the blessed assurance that we will see her again in Heaven (H E A V E N – Mom loved to spell!!). We’re sure she’s gabbing up a storm with those already there. Say “hi” to Dad for us. Love, Mike & Cindy, John, Tom & Toni, Sherri, Matt & David.”