Lois Willaert

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 507-388-2288 Lois Darlene (Swedberg) Willaert, age 84, of Mankato MN was called home to her Heavenly Father on Tuesday June 23, 2015. Mass of Christian Burial in celebration of Lois' life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 29 at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 28th with a prayer service beginning at 2:45 at Northview-North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, North Mankato. In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to Echo Food Shelf or Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Lois was born on March 24, 1931 in Lake Crystal, MN to David and Freida Swedberg. She graduated from Lake Crystal High School and began working at Mankato Manufacturing. She was united in marriage to Arthur Richard Willaert on June 2, 1952 at SS's Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. Together they raised 8 children. In addition to being a homemaker and contributing to farm life, Lois worked for Coca-Cola and later for Tire Associates Warehouse. Lois enjoyed many activities and hobbies including fishing, gardening, playing cards and other board games, telling stories, sewing and attending the activities in which her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated. She and Art traveled to various locations, and their trips together were the source of many entertaining tales. She treasured family and friends and regarded every person as valued and exceptional. Her infectious laughter and joyful optimism were contagious and influenced each person. Visitors were always welcomed into her home where Lois was prepared with a cup of coffee and a "snackie". Frequent chats on the phone to friends and family, writing special notes or cards or preparing a family meal were daily occurrences for her. Lois' faith, her love for her family, and her genuine kindness and compassion inspired all who knew her. Lois is survived by 5 sons, 3 daughters and 17 grandchildren: David (Dianne) Willaert of Good Thunder, and children Jessica (Mark Boweak), Tara (Jurrel Simmons), and Eric (Sarah); Steven (Sue) Willaert of Mankato, and children, Chad (special friend, Missy Thompson) and Kelli (Joel Hollerich); Duane (Pat) Willaert of Henderson, and children Amanda (Luke Stoffel), and Carl (Krista); Jeff (Jan) Willaert of Mankato, and children, Danny (Abby), Emily, Tony and Sean; Mike (Lisa) Willaert of Mankato, and children, Lindsey (Brett Burgstahler) and Megan (Paul Martin); Terri Willaert of Coon Rapids; Cindy Willaert of Mankato; and Cheryl (David) Menke of Mankato, and children, Nicole, Jaqueline, Jamie, and Allison. She is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren, 1 brother: Steven (Jan) Swedberg of Bridgeport, NE, sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, and various extended family. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur, her parents, 5 brothers: Don, Clarence, Merlyn, David, and Ronald, 1 sister, Elizabeth, 1 half-sister, Rosetta, and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.