Lois Elayne Hendrikson
The fifth of eight children, Lois Elayne Hendrikson, was born on Oct. 7, 1937, in Colfax, in what would become her childhood home. Here, she watched her brothers make mischief and bonded with her sisters. Due to the Great Depression, Lois’ father was sometimes gone as he worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps. Meanwhile, Lois learned many thrifty habits from her mother that would serve her well all her life.
Following high school graduation at age 17 in 1955, Lois moved to the Twin Cities, where she worked at the Bureau of Engraving. At one point, she accompanied her father and a college-bound brother to La Crosse, and Lois decided she too wanted to go to college. Shortly thereafter, she entered the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to become a teacher, and graduated three and a half years later with a Bachelors Degree in Physical Education and Education. She was brilliant!
While in La Crosse, she met John Fadness, who would become her husband on Aug. 10, 1963. Lois taught for one year in Wild Rose, and after Lois and John wed, they moved to Medford where they both taught. During their early childless summers, they canoed, backpacked, and enjoyed nature. Upon becoming pregnant, Lois resigned from teaching to become a stay-at-home mom (for her own children and also friends and neighbors) for several years. During this time, Lois started a “nursery school” with a friend in Medford, which evolved into a successful daycare facility (“Happy Hands”/“The Sandbox”). Lois became Medford’s “Avon Lady” for a time. Other things that entertained she and her husband included small remodels and updates to their “farm” house outside of Medford, their vegetable gardens, raising chickens, biking, flower gardens, genealogy, birding, church involvement, and of course, their many beloved cats. Lois was incredibly compassionate toward animals. She was also an advocate for breast cancer research.
After her daughters were in school, Lois returned to work outside of the home and was a bank teller, bookkeeper, and library aide at the high school.
The Fadness family traveled throughout the United States and Canada every summer embarking on canoeing, backpacking, and biking adventures. One summer they traveled to Norway, the land of their ancestors. The daughters grew to appreciate the wilderness, nature and “off the grid” trips.
After Lois and John retired, they traveled even more prolifically throughout the world. They toured the Arctic Circle twice, took an educational cruise through the Panama Canal with friends, biked throughout Europe many times, visited Normandy with their daughter Sarah, visited Central America, and enjoyed Canada several years in a row to go non-barb fishing on a private
1937-2026
lake. Lois traveled with her church on humanitarian trips to Africa and Mexico, once with one of her brothers to help build a house. Lois and John took group vacations with Holiday Vacations; (once with their daughters on a final “Fadness Family Fun” trip), and several others, their last being a trip to Arizona to enjoy Brewers Spring Training. However the trip was cut short in March of 2020, due to the pandemic.
Sadly, Lois suffered from both depression and dementia (presumed Alzheimer’s Disease). Her last 4 years and 10 months were spent in long term care facilities until she passed away on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, at Lake Hallie Memory Care. John, Sarah, and Jennifer felt that the real Lois slowly died as both diseases progressed. When John died in October of 2024, Lois was not informed of his death as she no longer even realized he had not been able to visit her in over a month.
Lois was preceded in death by her mother and father, Helga and Melvin; her adoring husband, John, of 61+ years; her in-laws; her brother-in-law on John’s side, Peter; and all of her brothers and sisters, Margaret, Carol, Marlys, Roger, Richard, Roland, and Karen.
She is survived by her two daughters, Sarah and Jennifer; three sisters-in-law, Gerri Hendrikson, Karen Hendrikson, and Karen Fadness; and one brother-inlaw, Ronald Halvorson. She also leaves behind one cat, Jasper; several nieces and nephews; their children and grandchildren; many cousins; and very caring friends.
A special thanks to Lily Hospice and their compassionate and caring team, especially Mark, Natasha, Jessica and Barb. To all of the delightful caretakers at Lake Hallie Memory Care, we cannot thank you enough for your amazing efforts! You have all earned your place in our hearts!
Lois believed in the greater good. Should you wish to donate funds in Lois’ name, feel free to select any dementia/ Alzheimer’s research organization, cancer research, or any environmental cause. Chippewa County Humane Association and Beaver Creek Reserve were beloved by Lois (and John). Any funds received by the family will be directed toward such a cause, but we prefer you donate as you wish, as all humanitarian gifts are well received.
A private family burial for both John and Lois will take place at a later date at the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Spooner.
Per their wishes there will be no formal service. In May of 2025 a joint celebration of life was held to remember and honor the beautiful years that John and Lois spent together.
Pederson-Volker Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Chippewa Falls is serving the family. Please share your memories or condolences online at pedersonvolker. com
Paid Obituary 188784
