LOIS BARTH
September 30, 1930 - November 13, 2024
Obituary
Lois Mae Barth passed away at age 94 on November 13, 2024. She is reunited with her husband of 68 years, Lyle, who preceded her in death in 2020.
Lois was born September 30, 1930, in Neenah, Wisconsin, Winnebago County, to Louis and Irma (Schoenrock) Pagel in the heart of the Great Depression. She grew up on the family farm, helping to grow fruits and vegetables and to raise chickens.
She was an alumna of Neenah High School.
As a young woman, Lois worked for the Smart Shop clothing store in Neenah, where she developed an interest in fashion and creativity. She participated in the Miss Neenah-Menasha beauty pageant, performing a vocal number for the talent portion of the contest. She shared her love for singing with all. She enjoyed dressing for and attending special occasions and was known for harmonizing to old songs at family gatherings.
She was united in marriage to Lyle Barth on January 21, 1952. Settling in Milwaukee where Lyle found work, she and Lyle welcomed five children from 1952 to 1965. A stay-at-home mom, Lois worked hard caring for the family. She contributed to school PTA meetings, bake sales, and Cub Scouts.
She was a great cook and her family loved coming home from school and work to the aroma of an excellent dinner waiting for them. She could make $5 in groceries into a masterpiece.
Lois and Lyle took the children on summer vacations in the Nicolet National Forest. Quite a bit of work for a mom with a family of seven, those vacations built character and a profound respect for nature in all of the kids. The tradition of Barth family camping spans more than 50 years; the memories are priceless.
Lois will be deeply missed by her sons: James (Donna) of Waupaca, Paul (Jenell) of Kimberly, Frank (Susan) of New Holstein; daughters: Mary (Gary) Szymkowski of Milwaukee, Sandra (James) Barrette of Sheboygan.
She is further survived by her brothers: Marvin (the late Connie), and David (Donna) Pagel; her sister, Sally Tummett (Gerald); and nine grandchildren: Sarah (Paul) Jene of Milwaukee, Amanda Szymkowski of Milwaukee, David (Sarah) of Milwaukee, Andrew (Amy) of Kaukauna, Michael Barrette of Sheboygan, Jennifer Rappaport (Josh) of Chicago, Carolyn of Fort Myers, Jacob of Racine.
Lois was extremely proud to have thirteen great-grandchildren: Trevor, Ella, Wylie, Bodie, Alec, Hailey, Austin, Emma, Evelynn, Mason, Hannah, Sarah, and Lena. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Irma Pagel; and her brothers: Harry, Kenneth, Robert (the late Jackie), and John Pagel (the late Hazel).
The funeral service will be held at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 1:00PM. Visitation will be held from Noon until the service time. Donations to the American Cancer Society are suggested in lieu of flowers.