In loving memory of Lois Lauritzen, age 92, who passed away on June 1, 2026 at Lakewood Memory Care in Brookfield. Lois led an active life full of devotion to family and friends.
Born July 14th, 1933 in Silvis, IL, daughter of Harry and Elsie Wilson, she grew up in the Quad Cities with older brother Harry Wilson Jr. Lois graduated from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL with a degree in physical education. She met her husband Paul Lauritzen on the college tennis team. Their marriage on June 12th, 1955 lasted 59 years until Paul’s death on September 26th, 2014.
A lifelong love of the Colorado mountains started with childhood trips to visit family in Denver and Estes Park. Throughout her life she visited often to hike, explore, camp and be with family. She had fond memories of climbing the fourteener, Long’s Peak, when she was in her 50’s. When her family had grown, she enjoyed many road trips to Estes Park with her girlfriends to spend a week soaking up the mountains.
Lois lived in Whitewater for 60 years where she volunteered at the First English Lutheran Church, helped form the Whitewater Tennis Association (which led to the HS tennis team), supported Warhawk sports, coached track at WWHS, and worked for UWW. She was an active tennis and bridge player.
Family was everything to Lois. She supported and celebrated all of her kids, grandkids and even great-grandkids’ activities. She loved family time at “The Woods,” cider making in the fall, card games, baking, cooking, gardening and travel.
Lois leaves her loving family including children: Lisa (Stuart) Smith, Jeff (Jeri) Lauritzen, Karen (Larry) Centro, grandchildren: Elesif (Kyle) McDonald, Damon (Karlee) Smith, Katie (Tanner) Prestegard, Cara (Alex) Strunk, Matt (Kelsey) Lauritzen, Francesco Centro, and Ana Centro. Great grandchildren: Bode and Lennon McDonald, Miller Wilson Smith, Henry and Audrey Prestegard, Carter, Kennedy and Graham Strunk and Freddie Lauritzen.
Lois is preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother and nephew Mark Wilson.
In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to First English Lutheran Church of Whitewater or the Whitewater Warhawks Tip-Off club.
Lois requested a private family service.
