Lois Jean Handt

Pastor Lois Jean Handt, age 80, passed away Saturday, August 7, 2010.   She was born on April 14, 1930 at Ashwaubenon, WI to Howard and Frances (Rickaby) Cormier.   The Cormier family were among the original pioneers in the Green Bay area in the early 1800's.   During her years in Green Bay, Lois was a secretary, her final position being Executive Secretary to the Comptroller of Paper Converting Machine Company.   She was active in Baptist, United Methodist, and Christian Missionary Alliance Churches. After reading something David had written in a Christian magazine, Lois thought she had some information he might find helpful.   So she mailed to him information about the ""Compliment Club"" which had been started by a Chicago psychologist, George W. Crane.   That developed into a correspondence and friendship which led to their marriage on November 2, 1968 in the Bethany United Methodist Church in Ashwaubenon, and her move to Stoughton.   She became Associate Pastor of Christian Assembly Church leading the women's ministry and serving as worship leader for the nursing home services and the Saturday night services at Kegonsa State Park. She shared the Correspondence Ministry with David, averaging 10 letters a day form over 100 countries.   The historical record in the Bible says God made Eve a ""help meet (right, suitable or perfect) for Adam.   This would be the comparison to make of Lois for David, likewise.   It was her support role which made possible David's activities with the school buses, School Board, and the Fire Department Chaplaincy.   Her life was lived with the desire to one day hear Jesus say ""Well done, thou good and faithful servant.   Enter thou into the joy of the Lord"". She was the walking personification of the Grace of God in a human life.   Lois was a peach, and together David Sand Lois made a pair.   Lois enjoyed eating out and meeting friends, twice a day, even on the coldest and snowiest days, at the Sugar and Spice Eatery, the Sunrise Restaurant, and Page St. Pizza.   She carried on a valiant battle against Alzheimer's for 10 years, an example of which was her heavy involvement with ""word search"" puzzles.   As an example of what was in her heart and on her mind, several weeks ago during a disconnected Alzheimer's moment she solemnly said ""make sure you are saved S.A.V.E.D."" Lois was very ill for a number of months, but she has now gotten up out of bed and is walking those streets of gold looking forward to the rest of us joining her in the beautiful homeland Jesus is preparing for all who love him.   She is survived by her husband David, her brother Richard of Florida, and cousins, Carol Rickaby and Robert (Carolyn) Rickaby of Michigan. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 pm on Friday, August 13, 2010 at the Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral Home in Stoughton.   Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to the time of services. The services will be held by Pastors Matt Bolland and David Handt, with music by Kevin and Thea Janisch. The prayers and expressions of sympathy and support from fellow School Board Members, School Administrators and staff, as well as our many friends throughout the community during Lois' long illness have been greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Pastors Matt and Nancy Bolland, Marge Stokstad, and the members of the Christian Assembly Church. Lois was cared for at home until her medical needs intensified, requiring 5 stays at Stoughton Hospital in 4 months, with rehab and therapy following at Skaalen Home. Lois and David both appreciated all the help provided by Debbie and Chuck Everson, and Mary Lou Kittleson to enable Lois to remain at home until the very last weeks. The help provided by the Stoughton EMS and Stoughton Fire Department when transportation was needed was so appreciated.   The medical attention she received from Joyce Brehm, MD, Ronald Beresky, MD, Leslie Adams, NP, and the ER doctors was excellent and had a role in her continuing as long as she did.   Our extensive time in the Hospital and interactions with its friendly, caring, and capable staff reminded us again and again, that Stoughton Hospital is a wonderful Community treasure.   Thanks to everyone who touched Lois in any way! Lois was at Skaalen Home for only a limited number of weeks for Rehab Therapy, and eventually final care, but during that time the staff members of Forest View Unit (6) showed so much care, concern, and affection thaty they became instant family.   Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!   Likewise the staff of the Dietary, Housekeeping, and Therapy Departments did much to aid in our time of need. And then there was hospice!   Though we were involved for only a few days, their assistance was of such value and importance at such a critical time in our lives, that we will forever be grateful. Above all, thanks are owed to our Heavenly Father for His great mercy and kindness to us through the years, so that Lois was able to come down the path of life this far. Instead of flowers, it is suggested that memorials be made to the Gideon's or Christian Assembly Church.