Lois’s Story

Site created on September 9, 2019

   Welcome to our CaringBridge website. We share our mother Lois Wilder's (aka, Lolo, Tiny Lo, Grandma Lolo, and Grandma Gogo) story to communicate our mom's joy in the face of disease, faith for what follows and to keep family and friends updated in one place. On behalf of all 7 of us, we have been incredibly blessed to call Lolo our mom. At the core, she represents what every child should have as a mom. Loving, patient, understanding, comforting, funny, giving, joyful and selfless. We have been blessed to experience these qualities in action throughout our lives. She truly is one of a kind! 
   Lolo was diagnosed with dementia fourteen years ago and transitioned from her condo in Arizona approximately 5 years ago to independent senior living in Minneapolis.  She has been in a full memory care unit for the past 2+ years.  At the same time she transitioned into full memory care, it was discovered she had gallbladder cancer. Her gallbladder was removed at the time and she in "Lolo fashion" bounced back from the surgery and was singing and making people smile. Her dementia has continued to progress, but thankfully her joy filled spirit has remained.     

   In the past few days, Lolo was taken to the hospital after being found unresponsive. She was treated at North Memorial and it was discovered that the cancer has grown and two masses now occupy the space where her gallbladder once was. She has returned to The Willows of Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove and hospice has joined her team of caregivers. Thankfully she is not in any pain at this time, sore but no pain medications are needed now. Lolo still seems to be the one in the room making everyone smile.  If you would like to drop her a note, share a story or song, she would love to hear it.  You can do that here on the Caring Bridge (click on the Well Wishes and type a message) or her address is Lois Wilder at The Willows of Arbor Lakes 11955 80th Ave, N Maple Grove, MN 55369. 

"Be grateful for every second of every day that you get to spend with the people you love. Life is so very precious. - Mandy Hale 
We appreciate your support, words of hope and encouragement.  Thank you for visiting.

Newest Update

September 27, 2019

Journal entry by Kate Wilder —

Lois “Lolo” Lillian (Edstrom) Wilder, died in Maple Grove, MN September 23rd, 2019 at the age of 85 from Cancer, in conjunction with dementia. 

 

Lois was born in Minneapolis on February 23rd,1934. She was the fourth child of 10, grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from North High, where she enjoyed being a cheerleader.  In 1956, Lois married the love of her life Thomas Wilder and raised seven children between Minnesota and Arizona. Lois lived her life sharing her warm heart, joy-filled spirit and beautiful smile everyday.  Her energy touched all who encountered her. Her faith carried her through all the adventures of raising seven children, countless moves across the country, and losing the love of her life far to early. Her zest for life won her the Golf Club Championship at the age of 70.  Her voice was a ray of light when her memory was lost. Her story continued through classic songs, and high school cheers. She was our Sunshine and always will be.  

 

Lois is survived by her seven children. Son Tim Wilder (Kathy), daughter Kim Peterson (Rick), son Joe Wilder, daughter Sue Kroehler (Ron), daughter Connie Wilder (Erik Willis), son Tom Wilder (Lisa) and daughter Kate Wilder (Len Graybeal). Grandchildren Andy Peterson, Jason Peterson (Jessica), Lindsey Wanke (Colin), Jared Wilder, Allie Kroehler, Madie Kroehler, Jack Kroehler, Zach Wilder, Sam Wilder, Ben Wilder, Bella Wilder, Kiera Willis, Connor Willis, JT Graybeal and Hudson Graybeal. Great- Grandchildren Westin Peterson, Winter Peterson, Isla Wanke and Ophelia Wanke.  Brothers Wally and Ron Edstrom and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

 

Lois is preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Lillian (Stay) Edstrom, husband Thomas Wilder, sisters Lorraine Nordahl, Alice Larson and Barbara Brink and brothers Kenneth, Alvin, Don and Dick Edstrom. As well as many dear friends.

 

The Wilder Family will be having a Visitation on Thursday, October 3rd from 4:00pm - 7:00pm at the Evans-Nordby Funeral home In Osseo MN; address is 34 2nd Street NE, Osseo, MN 55369. The Funeral will be held on Friday, October 4th at 11:00am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove (with additional visitation from 10:00am - 11:00am); address of the church is - 7401 County Road 101, Maple Grove, MN 55311. Lunch will be served at the church following the funeral. Everyone is welcome. 

 
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