Lois Arlene Butler

Lois Arlene Butler, 91, of Woodville, WI, passed away on, January 2, 2026, at her apartment of an apparent heart attack.

She was born to Lucile (Bennett) and William (Bill) Butler on March 10, 1934, in DeGraff, MN, growing up on their farm, the family then moved to New Richmond, WI.

Lois spent her life in service to others from babysitting, waitressing, housekeeping, bartending and care-giving. She was an excellent waitress and worked many years at the Hotel Lemington in Minneapolis, MN, in their private club, serving customers and eventually doing Photography for the patrons.

At 18, Lois gave birth to her first child whom she gave up for adoption, as she was a single mother and unable to care for her newborn. She married Don Schmidt on February 20, 1954 in Erin Prairie, WI, and to this union was born four children; Daniel, Pattie, James and Barbara (aka Bobbie). Lois and Don were later divorced.

Her first born child, Jan Marie Davis of Honolulu, HI, found her birth mother through a DNA test just in time so they could meet again —–for Lois’ 90th birthday party in Woodville, WI, in 2024, which brought peace and thanksgiving to Lois after having tried to find her child for over 70+ years, but had been unable to do so.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents William and Lucile of Roberts, WI; siblings Mary Ringhand of Woodville, WI, Frances Shinnick of Woodville, WI, Richard Butler of San Saba, TX, Rose Anne Walsh of Chippewa Falls, WI, William Butler, Jr. of McAllen, TX, Shannon Eggen of Hammond, WI; sister-in-law Annabelle Butler of San Saba, TX; brother-in-laws  Gordon Chevalier, Granite Falls, Min, Tom Walsh of Chippewa Falls, WI, Bob Gardner of Port Wing, WI; granddaughter Jamie Rose Danielson; grandson in-law Dan Gustafson.

She is survived by her children Daniel Schmidt of Rochester Hills, MI, Pattie Schmidt of Stillwater, MN, James (Mary) Schmidt of Menomonie, WI and Barbara (Craig) Knudson of St. Croix Falls, WI; grandchildren Lisa Ann Schmidt of Phoenix, AZ, Preston Schmidt of Cold Springs, MN, Christine Schmidt of Phoenix, AZ, Katrina Gustafson of Brichwood, WI, Cameron Olsem of St. Paul, MN, Tina (Chad) Dormer of Prior Lake, MN, Craig (Danielle) Kaiser of Lindstrom, MN, Eric Knudson of Circle Pines, MN; step-grandson Justin Schmidt of Menomonie, WI; many great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren; sister Barbara (Ray Reha) Gardner of Herbster, WI; sister-in-law Maria Knight of TX; brother-in-law Jerry Eggen of Hammond, WI; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Although Lois cared deeply for all her family, she held a special spot in her heart for grandchildren Tina Dormer, Katrina Gustafson and great grandchildren Samantha Scott of Rice Lake, WI, and Casey Swangim of Chetek, WI.

There will be no services at this time, a Celebration of Life might be held at a later date, to be announced.

Lois is home with the savior she has worshipped throughout her life. Keep that light glowing, Lois, until we meet again.