Lois J. Hjellming

Lois (McCorkell) Hjellming passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, September 19, 2019. Lois Hjellming was born in Akron, Iowa as the only daughter with 5 brothers. Her family farmed and they moved to Canistota, South Dakota when she was in fourth grade. She completed high school and while working at the Old Barn Store, she met her husband, Marlow, who was a wholesale grocery salesman. After high school, Lois attended beauty school in Sioux Falls. She and Marlow married in 1960 at First Lutheran Church. Early in their marriage, they lived in Eau Claire and Mankato before settling in the Rochester area in 1962. They wanted to live in the country, and with a loan from his boss, she and Marlow were able to purchase the land where Lois continued to live until her passing. Lois worked as a beautician for over 50 years, and Marlow worked at Gamble Robinson as the general manager until his retirement. They owned and operated an A & W restaurant from 1970-1976. They boarded horses and farmed, adding more land over time. Lois also worked at JCPenney in the fine jewelry department for 18 years. She enjoyed being the wedding coordinator at Christ Lutheran in Byron for 25 years and was active in altar guild and as a member of the church choir. She was a member of the Pine Island Saddle Club and was active in 4-H along with her children. Lois enjoyed the many social gatherings with her friends, and the special moments with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed garage sales, collecting Red Wing stoneware, working in her flower garden, decorating, and a good pot of coffee. She was strong in her faith and dedicated to her church and family. She was a hard-working farmer's wife who was known for delivering excellent meals to the field during baling season and harvest time. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed. Lois is survived by her three children, Paula Dessner of Rochester, Brad (Carissa) Hjellming of Oronoco, Pam (Ronald McCollum) Godwin of Marshville, NC; five grandchildren, Conner Hjellming, Austin Dessner, Chad Hjellming, Mercedes (Justin) Buchardt , Vanessa (Abe) Kamara and their children, Kymoni, Jerusalem and Judaea; three brothers, Wayne McCorkell of Quartzsite, AZ, Eldon (Gloria) McCorkell of San Diego, CA and Ray (Jan) McCorkell of Salem, SD. She is preceded in death by her parents Wesley and Myrtle McCorkell, husband, Marlow Hjellming; brother, Howard; and infant brother, Harold. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019 at 3 p.m. at Christ Lutheran Church in Byron. Visitation will be held on Sunday at 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Hjellming family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com