Lois Nellie Van Sickle

ROCHESTER, MN- Lois N. Van Sickle, 87, passed away peacefully, Friday, June 8, 2012 at her residence . Lois was born November 2, 1924 in French River, MN to Arthur and Fannie (Kaitfors) Mattson. She graduated from Clover Valley High School in 1942 and then went on to graduate from Duluth Business School. Lois moved to Minneapolis and was a secretary at Wheeler Lumber Bridge and Supply Co. for 10 years. On September 10, 1955, Lois married Harley Van Sickle at The Little Brown Church In the Vale. Lois and Harley lived in Mason, Michigan before moving to Rochester in 1956. They owned Gopher Welding Co, which she acquired after her husbands death in 1959 and then sold the business in 1964. Lois was a member of Saint Lukes Episcopal Church in Rochester. She enjoyed skiing, golfing, playing bridge and was an avid reader. Lois is survived by her daughter, Sally Yaeger of Madison, WI; son, Gary (Barb) Van Sickle of St. Paul, MN; daughter-in-law, Linda Van Sickle of Oronoco; 8 grandchildren, Jason and Cody Van Sickle, Reed and Bret Yaeger, Keely Decker, Ashley Morton, Justine Van Sickle and Jennifer Leonard; 10 great-grandchildren and sister, Alice Carlson of Two Harbors, MN. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Harley; parents, Arthur and Fannie; son, Bruce; brothers, Lawrence, Ernest, John and sisters, Gladys Dozois and Florence Richardson.. A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Friday, June 15, 2012 at Saint Lukes Episcopal Church 1884 22nd St. NW, Rochester with The Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 pm until time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Seasons Hospice 1811 Greenview Place SW, Suite 110, Rochester, MN 55902 or to Saint Luke's Episcopal Church. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN 55901. 507-289-3600