Lois Eileen (Olson) Christenson, age 94 of Amery, passed away on December 24, 2015. Lois was born on October 1, 1921, in Garfield Township. She was the oldest child of William and Lillian (Strohbeen) Olson. Along with siblings Ione and Wayne, Lois grew up on a dairy farm in Wanderoos. Growing up during drought and depression, the family learned to live simply. Because of farming and gardening, there was always food to eat. The children were expected to help with the work and also participated in 4-H. They were members of the Royal Order 4-H Club, which operated along what is currently County Road K.
Lois attended elementary school in Wanderoos. She graduated from eighth grade in 1935. Lois attended Osceola High School where she participated in band and glee club. After graduating from high school, Lois attended Stout Institute (now UW-Stout) and studied home economics education. At the time, there weren't many females earning college degrees, especially those who came from rural backgrounds.
Lois graduated from Stout Institute in May 1943, and began work on July 1st at Neillsville High School as a home economics teacher. In 1945 Lois began work as a home agent in Taylor County. In December of 1947, she resigned from her work in Taylor County to move back to the Wanderoos area and begin married life.
Lois and Kenneth Christenson married on Friday, September 18, 1947, at the Deronda Lutheran Church. Their four children, Eileen, Steve, David, and Kevin, were born between the years of 1948-1956. After renting various farms, Kenneth and Lois purchased the Myhrwold farm in 1956. The Lakecrest Farm is still operated by David and Connie Christenson and their family.
Lois served as the Polk County Extension Home Economist from 1965 to 1983. Some of her responsibilities included working with homemakers groups, leading a nutrition program, co-organizing 4-H camps, and leading the family living division of the 4-H program.
Lois was extremely active in the Deronda Lutheran Church. Throughout the years, she sang in the choir, sewed with the quilting group, read during services, and worked at church meals and bazars. Her meatball recipe was often requested.
Lois was active in 4-H leadership and the county fair, Sons of Norway, Understanding Friends, and the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed traveling, which included trips to Norway and Hawaii. She also volunteered at the Amery schools, spending time reading with students. Lois enjoyed baking, sewing, reading, and gardening. Much time was spent helping grandchildren with fair projects in these areas.
Lois was loved by many. Although she was a humble woman, she was very proud of her family. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Eileen (John) Van Dyk; Steve (Kathy) Christenson; David (Connie) Christenson; and Kevin (Sally) Christenson. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, brother Wayne Olson, sister Ione Johnson, sisters-in-law: Lenore Olson and Evelyn Christenson.
Lois was preceded in death by her parents, William and Lillian Olson; her husband, Kenneth Christenson; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ernest and Agnes Christenson; her brothers-in-law, Lavere Christenson, Harlan Johnson, and Irvin Christenson; her grandson, Nathan Christenson; and her nephew and niece, Harlan Charles Johnson and Julie Johnson.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Deronda Lutheran Church in rural Amery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and for the hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Deronda Cemetery.