Lois Lees

Lois Jean Lees passed away September 19, 2019, at her home in Backus, MN. Lois was born to Roy and Irma (Rabe) Johnson on March 27, 1936. She attended country school in Kroschel, MN. Lois grew up one of fifteen children and enjoyed the fellowship of a large family.

Lois married Leslie E Nelson in 1952, and they had three children, Cheryl Lois, who was born in 1953, Barbara Jean born in 1955 and James who was born in 1966. Leslie died tragically piloting his own plane in July of 1979.

Lois was a wonderful, caring Mother, homemaker, caregiver and wife. She also worked outside the home as a manager at Sears. Lois enjoyed art, painting, crocheting, birdwatching and writing were some of her passions. She met Bernard Lees at Emmanuel Lutheran Church and their friendship and love for one another grew into her second marriage.

Lois had strong faith and was an Advocate for Jesus. She loved attending, working and volunteering at church in Backus. She quietly performed many acts of kindness with her time and resources over the years with both family and friends. She was a truly great lady. She will be missed; the world is a lonelier place without her.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leslie Nelson; daughter, Cheryl Lois Nelson; husband, Bernard Lees; granddaughter, Rose Leslie Hutsell; sisters: Irma Johnson, Sue Roberts, Marlys Bloom and Glennis Grace; and brothers: Chester Johnson, Jerry Johnson, Stanley Johnson and Ronnie Johnson.

Lois is survived by her daughter, Barbara Hutsell (Richard); granddaughter, Cate Hage (Hans); three great grandchildren: Brinna, Kieran and Cora; and grandson, Matthew Hutsell; son, Jim Nelson (Tara); grandson, Joshawa Olson (Jeanette); great grandchildren, Erika Bang (Christian) and baby Sebastian; great grandson, Alex Olson; and great granddaughter, Eva Olson; siblings: Marvin Johnson, Elaine Miller, Marvel Seedorf, Shirley Klepsa, Darlene Wicklund and Randy Johnson and all their extended family members.

Lastly, we want to thank the family of step children Kim Pfaff (Rick) and Bruce Lees (Dawn) and the community of Emmanuel Lutheran Church for opening their hearts to Lois and a special thanks to the wonderful staff at Good Samaritan Hospice, Mariah, Darla and Heidi, who made all our lives easier during Lois’s transition to eternal life.

Funeral Services will be held at Emmanuel Lutheran Church on Wednesday, September 25. Visitation at 12:30 followed by the service at 1:30 and a lunch gathering afterwards. Lois will be laid to rest in a private interment ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Lois requested all memorials go to Emmanuel Lutheran Church.