Funeral service was at 10:30 AM, Friday, May 22, at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastors Kendall Stelter and Lori Wold officiating; nephew, Jeffrey Vaala gave a personal eulogy of his aunt, Lois; special music included recordings of "Here I Am Lord" and "You Lift Me Up" by Daniel O'Donnell; and organist, Deb Lewis accompanied the singing of "How Great Thou Art" and "Borning Cry." Honorary casketbearers were DuWayne and Curtis Coover and all the staff of Johnson Memorial and Rice Hospice and the active casketbearers were Jeffrey Vaala, John S. Vaala, Nicki Klanderud, Kristi Pederson, Kelli Anderson and Karli Santjer. Interment was in the Ness Cemetery in rural Madison. Lois Jean Vaala was born on November 14, 1940, the daughter of T.O. and Henrietta (Finstad) Vaala in Dawson. She attended school in Dawson and after graduation, lived in Dawson for a time prior to receiving training as a nurse's aide in Minneapolis. Lois worked as a nurse's aide for seven years at the Dawson Hospital, next, working in the laundry facilities at the Johnson Memorial Hospital for more than 26 years. The last year and a half at the Johnson Memorial Health Services was spent doing work of a dietary nature, retiring on July 2, 2004. Lois was a voracious reader, and avid sports fan and an anglophile of the highest order. She enjoyed reading in many different areas, with a special interest in the history and culture of England. She also spent many hours following professional and collegiate Minnesota teams, along with local high school sports. Lois Vaala died on Monday afternoon, May 18, 2009, at the Johnson Memorial Home in Dawson at the age of 68 years, 6 months and 4 days. She is survived by siblings: John (Juanita) Vaala of Elk River, Mary (Dr. Walter) Peet of Billings, MT, and Charles(Karen) Vaala of Fargo, ND; nieces and nephews: Jeff and John Vaala, Pat Rheinhart, Marney and Karl Peet, Troy Hooey and DuWayne, Curtis and Larry Coover; other family and friends. Preceding her in death were her parents: Henrietta on July 12, 1961, and T.O. on November 12, 1991; step-mother, Alma (Johnson) Vaala; and step-sister, Pearl Coover. Lois was the family historian who was turned to for any amount of specific detailed information. Her knowledge was always a pleasant surprise that made the family history come alive. She will be missed very much.