Lois E. Barthelme

Lois A. Barthelme, 95, a longtime Stewartville resident, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday (March 31, 2024) from natural causes at Grand Meadow Manor Senior Living. 

Lois Annette Sorum was born May 12, 1928 in Rushford Village, MN to Carl and Ellen (Ferden) Sorum. She grew up in Rushford, where she graduated from Rushford HS in 1946. After high school, she worked at a bank in Austin. Lois was married on October 8, 1949 at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Austin to Robert Leo Barthelme. They celebrated 51 years of marriage. The couple lived in Austin before moving to Stewartville in 1955 where they lived for many years and had six children. They owned and operated Bob’s Cleaners together for over 25 years where she was the book keeper and seamstress until its sale in 1983. Lois was a caregiver for her parents at her home for many years.  Lois was a past member of Zion Lutheran Church in Stewartville and continued to make her home in Stewartville.  She enjoyed walking many miles with Millie Peterson and friends, cooking, reading, and antiques. She loved time spent with her family especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Lois is survived by one daughter Bonnie Barthelme of Spokane, WA and three sons –Robert Barthelme of Mt. Vernon, OH;  Kevin (Nannette) Barthelme of Rochester and John Barthelme of Stewartville;  8 grandchildren - Tina (Ryan) Barthelme-Brengman of Rochester, Kevin Wayne (Michele) Barthelme of Rochester, Whitney (Ethan) Syzdel of Medford, WI; Nicholas (Lindsey) Barthelme of St. Charles, MN;  Heather (Cliff) Whitfield Mt. Vernon, OH; Arron (Kelsey) Barthelme Croton, OH; Bria Robertson of Spokane, WA;   and Rhian (Sierra) Cearns of Tumwater, WA. 16 great grandchildren – Tierra, Elijha, Penelopea, Tristan, Alex, Maximus, Savanna, Naomi, Evelyn, Aiden, Emily, Brooke, twins Claire and Ella, Sullivan, and Ottis; 1 sister Jane Fransen of Waukon, IA –and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her husband Bob, son Gary, infant daughter Mary, parents, and 3 brothers and 2 sisters. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Day and time of a visitation for family and friends will be announced. Arrangements are with Griffin-Gray Funeral Home in Stewartville. Condolences and memories of Lois are welcomed at www.griffin-gray.com (http://www.griffin-gray.com/)

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