Lois Dorothy Blank

     Lois Dorothy (Passuello) Blank, age 86, formerly of Birnamwood, WI, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, in Owosso, MI, 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.

     A Memorial Service will be held Labor Day Weekend at Trinity Lutheran Church, Birnamwood, WI. The burial will take place at Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Her memorial will also include a luncheon at her favorite restaurant- Chet & Emil’s, {details to follow.}

     Lois was born in Birnamwood, WI on June 19, 1937, the daughter of Victor and Leona Sophie (Kelm) Passuello. She graduated from Birnamwood-Wittenburg High School, Birnamwood, WI 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 80’s. 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 cross bow. 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, MI; and Beth (Tim) Walter of New London, NC; two granddaughters: Katrina (Melvin) Bartlett of Battle Creek, MI, and Alyssa Tefft of Kannapolis, NC; and three feline family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Betty Dobratz, and many beloved friends and extended family members.

     Memorials may be made to the Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Post #341, W17515 Church Rd, Birnamwood, WI 54414. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, Michigan. The memorial service over Labor Day Weekend the family will be served by Schmidt Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, WI.