Lois A. Gerrits, passed away at her home with her family at her side on Sunday, February 27, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer.  She was born in Appleton on September 16, 1932 to the late George and Martha (Ahrens) Schabo.  Lois married Eugene Gerrits on August 6, 1949 at Sacred Heart Parish.  He preceded her in death on November 22, 2007.  She worked at Zwicker Knitting Mill for 27 years.

Lois was a member of St. Joseph Parish and was very involved there.   She served at many funeral lunches and at the coffee and donuts social hour after Mass.  Lois and Gene volunteered at St. Joseph Food Pantry for many years and at one time, were the longest running volunteers there.

She was a great quilter and loved watching the Cubs and Packers.  The family held a special Super Bowl pool this year and she loved it.

Lois was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She was always there to take care of you if you were sick, including taking care of her son, Mike, in his final days.  Her true joy was being a grandmother.  She proudly attended their sporting and school events.

Lois is survived by her children:  Diane (Ken) Mader, Menasha; Ron (Karen) Gerrits, Appleton; Rick Gerrits, Appleton; Dennis (Bobbie) Gerrits, Tennessee; Barb Kasper, Appleton; and Sue (Glen) Tellock, Whitelaw; daughter-in-law, Linda Gerrits, Pennsylvania; grandchildren:  Bryan and Trent (Kerri) Mader, Alyssa (Nick) Aerts; Chris (Heather) Gerrits, Michelle (John) Reynolds; Joe (Missi) Gerrits, Courtney (Dave) Zeller, Dana (Jake) Chang; Kevin (Kristin) and Jason Gerrits, Tracey (Eric) Chosa; Brandon (Candice) Gerrits; Tanya (friend Derwin) and Troy Kasper, Tori (Shane) Miller; Lauren (Max) Gehrman, Makenzie (Jake) Risse; great grandchildren:  Chloe, Haley, Wyatt; Kherington, Watson, Lincoln, Griffin; Aiden, Sidney; Zach, Lucas, Tyler, Emily, Charlie, Jordy, Nolan, Ali; Quintin, Eliza, Brody, Austin, Ethan, Abigail; Witlee Rae; Madyson, Maliyah, Isaak, Morgan, Levi, Kya; Pierce, Preston; and sister and brothers-in-law:  Vern (Jim) Welch, Donald Evers, and Roger Gerrits.  She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gene, Lois was preceded in death by her son, Mike Gerrits; daughter-in-law, Noreen Gerrits; Barb's fiancé, Mark Grishaber; father and mother-in-law, John and Geraldine Gerrits; siblings:  Esther and Dorothy Schabo, Archie (Dorothy) Schabo, Doris (Gay) Scheibe, and Norman (Elaine) Schabo; and brothers and sisters-in-law:  Bob (Millie) Gerrits, Donald (Lillian) Gerrits, Darlene (Lee) Romenesko, Audrey (Earl) Van Handel, Elaine Evers, Clarice (Frank) Islinger, and Sis (Jerome) Werner.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022 at ST. JOSEPH PARISH (404 W. Lawrence St. Appleton) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Gerry Pehler, O.F.M. Cap. officiating and Deacon C.F. Dedman assisting.  Committal Highland Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established to benefit St. Joseph Parish and the Food Pantry.

Lois' family would like to thank the staff at Unity Hospice, especially Andrea, for the compassionate care she received.

A message from Mom… to the world you were one, to me you were the whole world.