Lois Joan Grunst

Lois Joan Grunst 

April 22, 1933 – November 7, 2026

Lois Joan (Willett) Grunst, age 93, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Grand Meadows Assisted Living in Glencoe, Minnesota.

Lois was born on April 22, 1933, to Frank and Lena Willett in Jackson, Minnesota. She was baptized into the Christian faith on May, 14, 1933 and later confirmed on November 2, 1947. Lois grew up in Jackson and graduated in 1950 from Jackson High School.

On April 25, 1954, Lois was united in marriage to Alfred “Al” Grunst. Together, they were blessed with six children: Janelle, Pamela, Duane, Daryl, Michele, and Patricia. Lois and Al made their home in St. James, Minnesota, until 1970, when they moved their family to Green Isle.

Lois devoted her life to her family and took great pride in raising her children. A loving wife, mother, and homemaker, she found joy and purpose in caring for her home and those she loved. She made sure her children were always dressed in their Sunday best for church services, a fond memory that reflects the care and attention she gave to her family.

Quiet and gentle by nature, Lois appreciated the simple pleasures in life. She enjoyed tending to her gardens, taking walks with neighbors, and spending time quilting. Her mornings were never quite complete without a cup of coffee in her favorite coffee cup, a small but cherished part of her daily routine. She especially treasured holidays and family gatherings, when she could be surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Lois also enjoyed the adventures she shared with Al. Together, they made many wonderful memories on fishing trips to Canada and through their travels across Europe, Russia, and Mexico. Whether exploring faraway places or enjoying the comforts of home, Lois found happiness in the experiences and people who filled her life. Her faith was an important part of her life. Lois was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, where she enjoyed fellowship with other members and especially cherished the friendships and time spent with her church quilting group.

Lois lived a life centered on faith, family, and the simple joys of everyday living. Her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and love for her family will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Lois is survived by her children, Janelle (Maynard) Dahlke, Pamela (Lance) Mikkelson, Duane (Sharon) Grunst, Daryl (Lisa) Grunst, and Patricia (Brian) Pioske; her grandchildren, Douglas (Sarah) Dahlke, Tricia (Dustin) Mackenthun, Ashley (Joshua) Russell, Jennifer Mikkelson, Lindsay (Darrin) Gens, Jeffrey Mikkelson, Angela (Jared) Weyant, Michael (Cathryn Hanson) Grunst, David (Allie) Grunst, Samantha (Aaron) Schmidt, Matthew Grunst, Olivia Martinez, Kara (Grant) Niver, Anna (Cody) Ellis, and Danielle Pioske; 21 great-grandchildren; and sister-in-law Diane Willett.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred; daughter, Michele; parents, Frank and Lena Willett; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bill & Ethel Grunst; sisters and brother-in-laws, Betty (Ken) Webster, Elaine (Bob) Golberg; brother and sister-in-law, Don (Dorothy) Willett, and brother Larry Willett.

A funeral service for Lois will take place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Arlington, Minnesota, at 11 a.m., with Rev. Rauh presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church, with a luncheon to follow the service. Interment will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in St. James, Minnesota.

Blessed be the memory of Lois Grunst.