Lois Rensland

A woman who was content in all things, Lois Rensland was a woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She fully embraced each and every day she was given while deeply loving those around her. Lois enjoyed traveling and saw much of the nation, but was never happier than when she was gathered with her family near. Throughout her life that spanned times of great change around her, Lois created a brilliant tapestry of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of those she leaves behind.

The early forties were trying days in our nation’s history as all eyes were focused on the hostilities of WWII overseas. Countless young servicemen and women were fighting for the preservation of our freedom while those who remained stateside became all too familiar with rationing on common goods like rubber, tin, coffee, and sugar. Victory gardens were planted to lessen the strain on the nation’s food supply, and people gathered around radios for the latest news from the front lines. It was during this challenging time that a young family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was delighted to welcome their baby girl into their hearts on November 28, 1944. Lois Mae was the youngest of three children born to her parents, Arthur and Margaret Rensland, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Fred and Sue.

Lois was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in downtown Grand Rapids and was diagnosed with a heart condition very early in life. Although the world liked to put limitations on her at times, Lois never let her condition slow her down any. She was always ready for a fun time and enjoyed things such as ice skating. Lois’s father worked at Metal Office Furniture, later known as Steelcase, while her mother was a busy homemaker. As a student she attended Eastern School, which was a school for children with disabilities, but she never liked being a student at that school so she left after the ninth grade. The Rensland family was a close knit group, and Lois also loved the companionship of the family dog, Max. Throughout her life Lois had a special place in her heart for dogs.

There were so many things that enriched Lois’s life through the years. She loved being outside, especially at the beach, “trying to get a tan,” as she often said. Perhaps Lois loved being in the sun so much because of so many years spent working in cold storage for apples. For many years her work found her at W. Central Storage and later at Heeren Bros. Produce. Lois also loved a leisurely picnic outside and swimming in her niece’s pool. She was quite the shopper who enjoyed going to the mall and shopping for various knickknacks, often adding music boxes to her impressive collection. As someone who was part Irish, Lois looked forward to St. Patrick’s Day every year. She did quite a bit of traveling with her mother including trips out West and to places like Florida, California, and Hawaii. The pair also went on several bus trips together. With a love for taking pictures, Lois always captured some of their best memories from their trips, and she never could resist showing off her slides. Lois’s favorite foods were more traditional things like hamburgers, pizza, and goulash, and she was also know for her sweet tooth when it came to any kinds of cookies, pies, or cakes. She enjoyed watching Elvis movies and musicals in addition to playing board games and cards.

A woman of graceful strength, Lois masterfully traveled along her life’s journey through both the great joys and the deep sorrows. For most of her life she lived with her mother. When her mother moved to a nursing home later in her life Lois visited her every day after work. She was deeply saddened with her mother’s death some time later. It was around that same time that Lois moved in to a new trailer. In 2007 she suffered a stroke that left her in need of more care. She then moved to Greenview Manor where she liked to play bingo, and regularly won candy bars to give to the “kids.”

A blessing in the life of those around her, Lois Rensland made a significant impact in the lives of so many through her kind heart and tender touch. Although she never married, Lois held her family close to her heart and treasured her nieces and nephews like they were her own children. In many ways she was a kid at heart, which made her so much fun to be around. Lois will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Lois M. Rensland, aged 67, of Grand Rapids passed away on July 5, 2012. She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur and Margaret Rensland; and brother, Fred Rensland. Lois is survived by her sister, Sue (Frank) Savickas; sister-in-law, Lois (Bruce) Lovett; special friend and co-worker, Shirley Snook; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM Wednesday July 11, 2012 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 2510 Richmond St. NW. Friends may visit with her family at the church for one hour prior to Mass. Contributions in her memory to St. Anthony of Padua or American Heart Association would be appreciated. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to read Lois's lifestory, archive a memory, photo, or sign the guestbook online.