Lois Jean Ous, 91, a longtime Crookston, MN resident, passed away Monday evening in the Benedictine Living Community Crookston with members of her loving family by her side. In failing health, Lois had come to Benedictine Living just a few days earlier.
Lois was born to Sidney and Mary (Johnston) Indergaard on October 17, 1932, on the family farm near Barlow, ND. Raised on the farm together with her 3 brothers, John, LeRoy, and Duane, Lois was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith and began her education through the 8th grade at the nearby Estabrook Country School. She then attended Carrington (ND) High School, graduating with the Class of 1950. After graduation, Lois moved to Fargo, ND, where she enrolled at Interstate Business College. Her first employment was with the General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC) in Fargo as a bookkeeper. After meeting her future husband, George Vernon Ous, in Fargo, the two were united in marriage in Carrington on August 15, 1954. They moved a short time later to Crookston in 1955. In the coming years, their marriage would be blessed by the births of 6 children: Jeffrey, Daniel, Nancy, Garrett, Gregory, and Paula. As the kids grew older, Lois began employment as a Nurses Aid at Riverview Hospital, then as a filing clerk for Polk County Social Services, retiring in 1997. Sadly, George had passed away on March 16, 1992.
Lois was a devoted member of Trinity Lutheran Church, where she belonged to WELCA, served as a Befriending Visitor, and was active with the Quilters Guild. She was a very talented seamstress and not only made clothing for all her children but expertly did outside sewing for many in Crookston who called upon her for their alteration needs and the making of countless numbers of prom dresses. She could often be found at the Golden Link Senior Citizens Center, volunteering her time wherever and whenever needed.
After retirement, Lois moved to the Nimens-Espegard Apartments in Crookston, where she enjoyed working on puzzles, visiting, and having coffee with her many friends.
Lois is lovingly survived by her 6 children: Jeffrey (Carol) Ous of Stillwater, MN, Daniel (Colleen) Ous of Fayetteville, AR, Nancy (Dan) Melink of Oak Grove, MN, Garrett (Patty) Ous of Grand Rapids, MN, Gregory (Sheila) Ous of Mankato, MN, and Paula Ous of Crookston, MN;
12 grandchildren: Jason (Diana), Joshua, Shawn, Andy, Becky (Michael), Dana, Andrea, Aaron (Rita), Kyle (Alyssa), Tyler, Jacob, and Caleb; 8 great-grandchildren: Cooper, Alayna, Savannah, Nathaniel, Harrison, Owen, Oliver, and Levi; and 2 great-great-grandchildren: Everleigh and Reese.
In addition to George, her beloved husband of 37 years, Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Sidney and Mary Indergaard; 3 brothers: John, LeRoy, and Duane, and son-in-law Nathan Aalgaard.
May God bless the memory of Lois Jean Ous.
The funeral service honoring Lois’ life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, October 30, 2023, in the Trinity Lutheran Church, Crookston, with The Rev. Greg Isaacson officiating. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. A luncheon reception will follow, and then there will be a procession to Our Savior’s Lutheran Cemetery in McIntosh, MN, for graveside prayers at approximately 2:00 p.m. Both services will be live streamed by going to Lois’ obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be offered to Lois’ family on the website as well.
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