Lois E. Hameister

Lois E. Hameister 

Lois passed away peacefully surrounded by family and dear friends on August 26, 2026, thirteen days shy of her 102nd birthday.  Lois was born September 8, 1924, in Appleton to Herman and Gertrude (Caliebe) Hameister.  

At a very young age, Lois admired and worshipped her grandfather, Henoch Caliebe. She often recalled how he planted the seed of joy in her heart. That expression of love for him, inspired her and she carried that seed of joy her entire life and planted that in others.  She attended Twin Willows grade school. Often, she would recall in 2nd grade that for discipline she would have to sit in the corner until she could recite the alphabet backwards, which she could recite to the present day. She also attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Appleton and graduated from Appleton (West) High School in 1942.  After graduation, Lois worked at Valley Iron for 10 years. In 1953 she was employed by Miller Electric Company as secretary to Niels Miller, founder and president of Miller Electric. She often commented on how much she respected Mr. Miller and expressed that it was an honor and a privilege to work for him. He was more than an employer but also a mentor in teaching her about a positive attitude which she practiced her entire life. Upon the passing of Niels Miller, Lois continued her employment under Mrs. Miller and daughter Margaret Gilson. In 1973 she became personnel manager and then retired from Miller Electric in 1983.  

She continued to enjoy 37 years of retirement, which included spending time at her property in Wittenberg while enjoying the company of her brother Bill. She also enjoyed traveling with her friends Clare St. Louis and Winnie Wieseckel. She further enjoyed many years flying to Hermans Landing at the Chippewa Flowage with her lifelong friend Windy Glaser. There she enjoyed musky fishing, and she won a trophy for the largest musky in the Women’s League of Wisconsin. Lois had a great sense of humor and really cherished that trophy because it read the “HUSKY” award instead of “MUSKY”. She also enjoyed painting china dishes, counted cross stitch, crossword puzzles, and playing cribbage and sheepshead.  

For 25 years, Lois resided with her sister Carol and brother-in-law David Plank along the shore of Lake Winnebago in Neenah. She grew extremely fond of their children, Amy and Tom. While living in Neenah, she attended and was an active member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. She taught first grade Sunday School and became the president of the congregation.  

Lois loved dogs and had many favorites, but she firmly believed that God saved the best one for last, Pepsi her little black poodle. He was her constant companion that enriched her life during the years in which her eyesight was quickly failing.  

The last 15 years of her life she returned full circle to her original roots living on the original farmstead in Appleton. There she spent her days quietly cooking and baking for her family, friends, and neighbors. Anyone who visited left with a gift of love. Lois devoted her entire life to making a difference in other people’s lives and she will be remembered for the love she shared with everyone.  

Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Gertrude Hameister, sister and brothers-in-law, Ethel and Dwain Glaser, Carol and David Plank and her brother William Hameister, niece June DeVos and husband Rob DeVos, nephews Carl Plank, Dan Glaser and lifelong friend Winton (Windy) Glaser.  

She is survived by nephew and God child Tom (Mary) Plank, Appleton, nephew Paul Glaser of Louisiana, nieces Julie (Bruce) Riehl, Redgranite, Amy (Donald) Schneekloth, Neenah, niece-in-law Ruth Glaser, Fremont, God child Kim (Grabler) Schulz, Wauwatosa and many great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  

Lois and her family would like to acknowledge the special people who made her last 15 years enjoyable. Her three favorite bachelors, Edward, Raymond and Richard Schwalbach, care givers Jenny Rice, Julie Riehl, Donald Beyer, Dan & Connie Rhoden, Ruth Glaser, friends Joyce Winkler, Dave & Peggy Weber along with their dog Lucy, Jim & Donna Hameister and many helpful neighbors.  

Lois would like to express her deep appreciation to Dr. Stephen Fuller for his care and support throughout the years. The family would like to thank Brewster Village for the exceptional care she received the past 4 years and to St. Croix Hospice for their help and compassion for the past two months. 

Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Valley Funeral Home - 2211 N. Richmond St. Appleton WI 54911 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with the service starting at 11:00 a.m. and an internment at Highland Memorial Park to follow. 

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