Funeral Mass will be held for Lois Burgess on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior to Mass at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Henning, with Fr. LeRoy Schik celebrating.  The pallbearers are her sons: Davd, Daniel, Patrick, Mark, Kevin and Chris.  Lois will be laid to rest in St. Edward’s Church Cemetery Henning.

Lois Kathryn Jans was born on June 18, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minn. Her parents were the late Gerald Martin and Aurelia (Sullivan) Jans. Lois was Baptized and Confirmed in Minneapolis.  She graduated high school in Minneapolis and furthered her education where she received a degree as a Registered Nurse.   

On May 1, 1948 Lois was united in marriage with James Sheffield Burgess, Jr. at Christ The King Catholic Church in Minneapolis, Minn. There marriage was blessed with 11 children. Together Lois and James made their home in St. Louis Park, Minn. and Bloomington, Minn. as James served with the Naval Air Station in Minneapolis. Due to James Naval commitments, the Burgess Family made their home in Florida and California and eventually on Buchanan Lake, rural Ottertail in 1996. James passed away on April 10, 2010. 

Lois taught Catholic Catechism and was a Girl Scout Leader. She loved to celebrate any and all occasions. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She had a Santa collection and always enjoyed baking a variety of Christmas goodies. In her spare time, Lois enjoyed reading and family camping trips. 

On October 13, 2023 Lois passed away peacefully at Our Home Your Home in Henning, at 97 years of age. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Preceding Lois in death were her parents, Gerald and Aurelia Jans; husband James Burgess; daughter, Mary Young; siblings Patricia Riese and Michael Jans; grandchildren: Nicolas Burger and Jaemon Burgess. 

Lois is survived by her children: David (Kandra) Burgess, Sherrie LaJocies, Daniel (Laurie) Burgess, Patrick (Cheryl) Burgess, Mark (Claudia) Burgess, Nancy Gain, Peggy (Justin) Burger, Kevin (Marcella) Burgess, Chris Burgess and Jenny (Richard) Cameron; son-in-law, Mark Young; 16 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; sister, Sheila Jans; many other relatives and a host of friends. 

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to leave memorials and condolences on Lois’ Tribute Wall.

Arrangements provided by Belmont-Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of Henning.