Lois Marie Larson

Lois Marie Larson, age 86, passed peacefully in her sleep March 8, 2022 at Heather Hills Retirement Community, in Grand Rapids, MI. Lois was a former longtime resident of East Grand Rapids and was born on January 14, 1936 in Northbrook, IL. She was the daughter of the late Edwin M. and Doris Schoenfeld. Lois is survived by her children, Terry (Mike) McElroy of Phoenix, AZ., Bradley H. Larson of Chandler, AZ., and Robert J. Larson of East Grand Rapids, MI. She was blessed with two grandchildren, Wade McElroy of Chicago, IL., and Carly McElroy of Brooklyn, NY. Lois grew up in Northbrook, IL. and graduated from Michigan State University in 1957 with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She was a member of the Illinois Waterskiing Association and enjoyed playing tennis. Lois became a registered nurse and went on to lead an amazing and dynamic nursing career that spanned several decades. Lois was a psychiatric nursing instructor for Blodgett School of Nursing before becoming a Professor of Psychiatric Nursing for Southwestern Michigan University. Lois retired as the Director of Psychiatric Nursing for the Michigan Department of Corrections in Ionia, MI where she was regarded as the “Brubaker” of the department due to the vast amount of empathy she possessed for the patients. Lois was one of great spirit and passion. She loved children, music, gardening, and a good party. Lois was active with Eastminster Presbyterian Church and later with Christ Community Church of Forest Hills. Lois is predeceased by Howard H. Larson and her brother Edward C. Schoenfeld. A family burial service was held in Plymouth, Wisconsin.