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As received from the Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home:
Lois Jean (Stout) Milanowski, 89, a resident of Dollar Bay passed away peacefully at her son’s home with family by her sideon Friday, November 6, 2020.
She was born on July 24, 1931 in North Branch, Michigan to Clarence and Mary (Craig) Payne. Her mother died when she was 12 years old. Lois grew up living in Detroit, Michigan and spent many summers at the family farm in North Branch. She attended the local schools and graduated from Cooley High School with the Class of 1949. During her high school years, she worked at a flower shop to help pay for college. Lois attended Bob Jones University where she earned a 2 year certificate in Christian Education.
On August 12, 1955, she was united in marriage to Harold Stout. They enjoyed 38 years of marriage together. Lois worked as a switchboard operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company, a kindergarten teacher, and as a floral designer at Kathy’s Country Flowers.
Lois loved the Lord and served Him faithfully. She was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and was the organist for years. She also led a Tuesday morning Women’s Bible Study for women of the community for more than 20 years. Lois was instrumental in starting the Fall Ladies Retreat at Gitche Gumee Bible Camp. She continued to arrange speakers and musicians for 40 years. She also loved attending the Christian Women’s brunch with other women of faith in the community.
Lois loved having family and friends over to enjoy a home-made meal that she had prepared. Gardening and sewing were hobbies she enjoyed and excelled at. In 1968, Lois began teaching evening cake decorating classes in Houghton, Hancock, South Range, and Dollar Bay for approximately 10 years. Using these skills, she made and decorated many creative birthday/wedding cakes for family and friends.
Harold preceded her in death in September of 1993. Seven years later on October 27, 2000 she was united in marriage to Paul Milanowski. For several years, Lois and Paul spent time in both Michigan and Alaska. Paul preceded her in death on July 28, 2019.
She is preceded in death by her sister Alice, brothers Arthur and Craig.
Lois is survived by her sons, Mark (Sherrill) Stout of Plymouth, Minnesota, Luke (Jennifer) Stout of Dollar Bay; step-sons Paul Jr. Milanowski of Tok, Alaska, Tim (Gloria) Milanowski of Fairbanks, Alaska step-daughter Grace (Tim) Rees of Kingsport, Tennessee; grandchildren Ethan (Lauren) Stout, Cole, Emma, Cooper Stout; step-grandchildren April, Alyssa, Michael, and Rachel Rees, Johnathan and Joseph Milanowski.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, November 12, 2020, at Bethany Baptist Church in Dollar Bay. Friends may call at the church from 10:00 am until the time of service on Thursday, November 12, 2020. This will be followed by a graveside service at the Lake View Cemetery section 72.
Online condolences for the family may be left at www.ericksoncrowleypeterson.com
The Erickson Crowley Peterson Funeral Home in Calumet is assisting the family with the arrangements.
