Lois Briggs, 89, of Oelwein passed away on Monday November 28, 2016 at Mercy Living Plus in Oelwein.  Visitation will be from 4-7 PM on Friday December 2, 2016 at the Geilenfeld Funeral Home in Oelwein.  Funeral services will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday December 3, 2016 at Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein.  Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery at Oelwein.  A memorial fund has been established.

Lois Maxine Briggs was born January 11, 1927, to Edward and Minnie (Heeren) Plaster.  She attended St. Peters Lutheran School, Westgate, Iowa and confirmed, May 5, 1940.  She graduated from Maynard High School, May 5, 1944.  On March 15, 1953, she was united in marriage to John J. Briggs.  They were blessed with five children: Claire Marie Murphy, Bancroft, Iowa; Robert (Deb) Briggs, Yorkville, Illinois; Clayton Briggs, Coralville, Iowa; Mark (Nancy) Briggs, St. Charles, Missouri; Melanie (Tom) Nicolay, Eau Claire, Wisconsin; twelve grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Prior to her marriage, she worked for the Washington State Personnel Board, Seattle Washington; National Biscuit Company, Rasdale Armored Car Service, and Pioneer Tire Company, Tampa, Florida.  After her marriage, Lois and John established and operated Kirby of Northeast Iowa for 35 years.

Lois and John were charter members of Peace Lutheran Church, and she was active in the Altar Guild, Bible Study, Choir, Memorial Committee, and Mission Circle. 

Lois is survived by her five children and their families, and her sister Lorraine Stedman, Oelwein, Iowa.  She was preceded in death by her parents Edward and Minnie Plaster and her husband John.