Lois Blank

Lois Dorothy (Passuello) Blank, 86, formerly of Birnamwood, died on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Owosso, Michigan, in her beautiful apartment at Oliver Woods Assisted Living Facility. Her family and beloved cats, Kitty-Kitty and Squirt, were at her bedside before her passing. Lois was born in Birnamwood on June 19, 1937, the daughter of Victor and Leona Sophie (Kelm) Passuello. She graduated from Birnamwood High School in 1955. She grew up on a successful dairy farm where she learned how to work hard and long hours; she continued working doing something, all the time, into her 80s. In her younger years, Lois moved to Rhinelander and took a job at Twist Drill and was often found enjoying rabbit hunting with her two beagles, Scamp and Tramp. She met Richard William Blank in Rhinelander, and on May 4, 1974, they married. The couple recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. The family moved to Haslett, Michigan, after they married, where Lois joined Haslett Public Schools as a custodian and cafeteria aide. She had many friends and retired from the school system. Upon retirement, she moved back to Birnamwood and helped run and maintain the Blank-A-T-Blank Christmas Tree Farm. She was known for making beautiful wreaths during the Christmas season. Anyone who knew Lois understood she had a passion for hunting. She loved to deer hunt using a bow, gun and eventually a crossbow. She also enjoyed turkey and rabbit hunting. In her earlier years, one could also find her enjoying some fishing, too. Hunting and fishing were sports Richard and Lois loved doing together. Lois gave back to her community. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Darling Gunderson Post 341. She was also a member of the Lions Club, Birnamwood Bow Hunters’ Course, Trinity Lutheran Church and a favorite bingo club. Lois is survived by her husband, Richard; two daughters, Dana Blank of Ovid, Michigan, and Beth (Tim) Walter of New London, North Carolina; two granddaughters, Katrina (Melvin) Bartlett of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Alyssa Tefft of Kannapolis, North Carolina; and three feline family members. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Betty Dobratz; and many beloved friends and extended family members. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Birnamwood. Jim Hartleben will officiate. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at Lois’ favorite restaurant, Chet and Emil’s. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and messages of support may be shared at SchmidtSchulta.com. Memorials may be made to the Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Post 341, W17515 Church Road, Birnamwood, WI 54414.