Lois Schmeling

Obituary

Lois Ardell (Riebe) Schmeling was born April 9, 1931, at the home of her grandparents, Ferdinand and Ida Schiro, in Meeker County, near Cosmos, Minnesota.  She was the daughter of Glenn and Selma (Schiro) Riebe.  She was baptized as an infant at her grandparent’s home on April 26, 1931, by Pastor Tinge. Lois spent her childhood on her grandparent’s farm.  Her Aunt Lillie and Uncle Pat were like a sister and a brother. She was confirmed on May 7, 1944, at Peace Lutheran Church in Cosmos, Minnesota.  She attended Country School District 89 for eight years. 

On March 10, 1950, Lois was united in marriage to Raymond Schmeling, by Pastor E.J. Kaiser at Brookfield Parsonage in Brookfield Township, Renville County, Minnesota.  This marriage was blessed with four children, Gaylin, Joleen, Julie and Rodney.  Lois and Ray resided and farmed in rural Hutchinson, Minnesota.  They shared 65 years of marriage until Ray passed away on January 31, 2016.  

Lois and Ray worked as a hired couple for farmers for two years.  They later rented a farm and started farming on their own.  They bought the family farm in 1956, and lived there until August 2012.  Faith and family were the center of her life.  Whenever you came to her home, she greeted you with a smile and “Can I get you something to eat?”.  She made the best homemade bread and rolls.  Lois was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother and the best listener ever.  She never was too busy to help her children or take care of her grandchildren.

Lois was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Acoma Township, where she sang in the choir and was active in Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society.  She loved the Lord Jesus very much and trusted in Him as her only Savior for her salvation.  She instilled that faith in Jesus as the Savior in her children and desired the same for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

Lois enjoyed going to dances with Ray, traveling, playing cards with friends and embroidering dish towels.  She made a set for each child and grandchild.  She also enjoyed reading, shopping trips with the girls and going for a ride in the car on a sunny Sunday afternoon.  She cherished spending time with her family, grandchildren and friends.

As Lois needed assistance with daily care, she moved to the Oaks in August of 2012, and then to Harmony River Living Center in October 2014.  She passed away there on Thursday, November 17, 2016, at the age of 85 years.  Blessed be her memory.

Lois is survived by her:
Children, Rev. Gaylin Schmeling and his wife, Rebecca of Mankato, MN,
Joleen Runke and her husband, Bruce of Hutchinson, MN, 
Julie Molitor and her husband, Richard of  Holdingford, MN, 
Rodney Schmeling and his wife, Kimberly of Hutchinson, MN; 
Grandchildren, Rev. Timothy Schmeling and his wife, Annette, Rev. Samuel Schmeling, Jennifer Cobian and her husband, Ryan, Christopher Runke and his wife Stacey, Joseph Vostinar and his wife, Anya, Jessica Vostinar; Step Grandchildren, Christina Erickson and her husband, Jared, Jason Molitor and his wife, Amber, Joseph Molitor and his wife, Kelsey. 
Great Grandchildren, Sophia, Andreas, Caleb, Emma, Tenley, Oliver, Ellie, Jacob, Hank, Jade, Adley; Half Brother, Perry Riebe, Half Sister, Glenna Vickers, Sisters-In-Law, Lorraine Bipes, Doris Schlueter and Evelyn Schmeling. 
 Many Nieces, Nephews and other relatives and friends.

Lois was preceded in death by her:  Parents, Glenn Riebe and Selma Bipes, Step Father, Harry Bipes, Husband, Raymond Schmeling, Half Brother, Delton Bipes and Half Sister, Gail Ochu.