Menomonee Falls-- At age 94, she was welcomed into the gates of Heaven by her Savior, Jesus Christ, and her husband, John, on his birthday, March 2, 2023. He was the love of her life for 66 years before he entered his heavenly home in 2017.

Precious only child of Herbert and Sylvia (Harder) Kleist. Beloved mother of Dawn (David) Akam, Lori (Randall G.) Melchert and Lana Lee (Joseph Jr.) Helm. Proud “Nonnie” of Aimee and Alana Akam; Randy Ryan (Lydia) Melchert; John, Melodie and Tamara Melchert; Marisa (Luke) Hassenplug; Joey (Melissa) Helm; Heather (Reid) Olson and Holly (John) Davis. Loving great-grandmother of Eliana, Landon and Sylvie Olson; Isabella and Elsie Helm; Randy Allan, Priscilla and Tabitha Melchert.

Lois grew up in Menomonee Falls, where her parents owned “Kleist’s Falls Café,” near the “Four Corners” from the early 1940’s to 1950’s. She was a 1946 graduate of Menomonee Falls High School, where she was lead baton majorette, “Miss Hiawatha.” From a young age, she studied piano with nationally renowned concert pianist, Irma Schenuit Hall of Milwaukee and performed in many concerts and recitals. She attended Bob Jones University, Greenville, SC and earned a B.S. degree in Music Education from Wisconsin State Teachers College (now University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee). After graduation, she served as Music Supervisor and Principal for Ozaukee County Public School District and taught private lessons in accordion, organ and advanced piano. She also served on the Advanced Piano and Organ faculty of Maranatha Baptist University, Watertown, WI and was guest pianist on WVCY radio and TV, where she accompanied Christian recording artists and performers.

As an incredibly gifted musician, she played the piano and organ in churches from the age of 13 into her mid-eighties! Over the course of her lifetime, she faithfully served in Milwaukee area churches as choral conductor and organist/pianist for choirs, soloists, musical groups and cantatas. As a charter member at Brookside Baptist Church, she was pianist/organist for over 30 years. She was a faithful servant of God who never sought the limelight but pointed many to Christ through her music. 

Funeral Service will be Saturday, March 11 at 3 PM at Brookside Baptist Church, 4470 N. Pilgrim Rd., Brookfield. Visitation Saturday 1 PM until time of the service AT THE CHURCH. Private burial Wisconsin Memorial Park. Memorials to Brookside Baptist Church.