LOIS JOAN DOSS

(née Kloss)

May 24, 1931 – November 1, 2026

Lois Joan Doss (née Kloss), age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 1, 2026, in the comfort of her home of 67 years in Brown Deer, Wisconsin, surrounded by her loving family.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lena Kloss (née Schendel); her beloved husband of more than 40 years, Donald Doss; and their dear daughter, Julie Ann Doss.

Born on May 24, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Lois grew up in the Bay View neighborhood, where her journey of faith began at St. Lucas Evangelical Lutheran Church and School. She later attended and graduated from Bay View High School.

Following high school, Lois held several clerical positions, but her true joy was singing and acting with the Milwaukee Players theater group. It was there that she met the love of her life, Donald Doss.

As the family story goes, Donald proposed to Lois on their very first date—and she said, “Yes!”

Lois and Don were married in 1956, beginning a wonderful life together filled with love, laughter, faith, and family. In November 1959, they moved into the home they had built in Brown Deer, where they would raise their ten children: Jack (Jody), Jill, Julie Ann, Janet, Marnie, Lois (Neil) Socol, Carrie (Jenny), Linda (Chris) Buetow, Glen (Anne Marie), and Alan.

Over the years, their family grew to include 26 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Their home was so much more than a house. It was a gathering place filled with love, laughter, conversation, and, of course, plenty of food. The door was always open to relatives and friends from near and far, as well as anyone their children happened to bring home. Everyone was welcomed, and no one was ever a stranger for long.

Lois’s life can best be described by four simple words: Family, Friends, Food, and Faith.

Family was everything to Lois. Whether you were related by blood or welcomed into her life through friendship, you were family.

Friends were simply family she hadn't met yet. A friend, a friend of a friend, or someone just stopping by—there was always room for one more.

Food? Well, need we say more? If you knew Lois, you knew there was always something to eat, something to share, and a place waiting for you at the table.

And faith. Faith was the foundation upon which Lois built her life.

After moving to Brown Deer, Lois became a charter member of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church. Throughout the years, she faithfully served in numerous elected positions with the Ladies Guild, sang as a member and soloist of the church choir, and led or participated in nearly every aspect of church life.

If something needed to be done, Lois was there—ready to lead, lend a helping hand, or simply do whatever was needed. Her devotion to her church family was a reflection of the deep and abiding faith that guided her throughout her life.

When St. Mark closed, Lois found a new church home at Christ Alone Lutheran Church, South Campus, in Mequon.

Lois also found great joy in life's simple pleasures.

She loved taking long drives, especially in autumn, when the changing leaves painted the countryside in brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. She never tired of admiring the beauty of God's creation.

She was also blessed with wonderfully creative hands and a generous heart. Countless family members and friends were recipients of her lovingly handmade gifts. From hand-knit blankets celebrating birthdays and weddings to tiny booties and hats welcoming newborn babies, each creation was a gift of love.

And then there were the countless arts and crafts she made for holidays, special occasions, or simply to share with the "girls at lunch". Lois had a special way of turning ordinary moments into cherished memories.

But above all, Lois will be remembered for the roles she treasured most: a loving daughter, a devoted wife, a wonderful mom, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a dear and faithful friend.

She had an extraordinary gift for making people feel welcomed, loved, and included. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith touched more lives than could ever be counted.

Lois was truly an amazing woman, and the love she gave so freely will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

While we will miss her dearly, we take comfort in the beautiful memories she leaves behind, the family she nurtured, the friendships she cherished, and the faith that carried her throughout her 95 years.

Her life was a blessing. Her memory is a treasure. And her love will remain with us always.

A Special Thank You

Our family extends heartfelt thanks to Pastor Ebert (Ret.) for officiating Mom's Celebration of Life, as well as to the staff of Preferred Care Funeral and Cremation Services for the compassion, respect, and dignity they showed while caring for our mom.

Celebration of Life

A Celebration of Life honoring Lois will be held on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

The service will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m. and will be immediately followed by a sit-down meal, where family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, remember special moments, and celebrate a life so beautifully lived.

In Lieu of Flowers

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions to help cover funeral expenses and final arrangements.

Your love, prayers, kindness, and support during this time are deeply appreciated.