Lois Jean Wagner

Lois Jean Wagner, 88, passed away, Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Sheffield Care Center. A Family Time of Remembrance is scheduled for 1:00 pm, Sunday, August 3, at Woodley Funeral Home, Hampton. Lois will be inurned at the Dumont Cemetery. Woodley Funeral Home and Crematory, Hampton is caring for Lois and her family. Memorials may be directed to her family or a nonprofit of your choice. Lois Jean Wagner was born August 3, 1936, at Dumont, Iowa, a daughter of Ollie and Zora (Shreve) Wagner. She graduated from Dumont High School with the class of 1954, then attended UNI where she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Lois was a life-long learner and passionate advocate for education. She began her career as a physical education instructor and later became a counselor at Rochester Junior College, where she helped guide and encourage many students. After retiring she moved to Hampton, Iowa, to be closer to her two sisters. Lois never stopped cheering on her family and friends in their education and celebrating their accomplishments. While in school, Lois was a standout athlete and later took up tennis and thrived on the USTA circuit. With her sister, Coke, she won many tournaments until a back injury brought her competition days to an end. Music was always part of Lois’ life, she played trumpet in high school and later taught herself to play the ukulele and guitar. She also sang with the Rochester Sweet Adelines and performed in many competitions and shows. Lois had a naturally competitive spirit and loved all kinds of games – cards, board games, and yard games – especially when shared with family and friends. She was always learning new ones and teaching them to others. Later in life, she was voraciously engaged in word searches and jigsaw puzzles at the Sheffield Care Center. Above all, Lois loved animals – especially dogs. After retiring, she doted on her Cocker Spanial, Missie. She adored her extended family’s dogs, especially sweet and sassy Sadie and Maggie. Lois had a strong sense of compassion for animals, writing a booklet on how to properly care for them and supporting rescue organizations throughout her life. Lois will be remembered for her strong voice, opinions, and fierce advocacy for women, animals, and education. Family and close friends were important to her, and she never passed up a chance to share a bowl of ice cream with them. Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Ollie and Zora and her sister Colleen (Coke) Humburg. Living family include her sister: Mary Jane Conn, Hampton, Iowa; niece: Connie (Ken) Erpelding, Marion, Indiana; nephew: Bradley (Emily) Conn, Janesville, Iowa; great nephew: Cooper Conn.

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Lois Jean Wagner

August 3, 1936 - July 6, 2025