Lois Schanhaar

Lois M. Schanhaar, age 98, of Melrose, received her angel wings, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at CentraCare Melrose Care Center, Melrose, Minnesota.

Lois Mae Buttweiler, the oldest of 5 children, was born November 2, 1922 in Melrose, Minnesota to Paul and Beata (Hofmann) Buttweiler.

Lois told many stories about her happy, active childhood growing up in Melrose along the north bank of the Sauk River. She had a beautiful singing voice and in high school was often asked to sing solos at weddings.  Her first job was as a secretary for the Rural Electric Association in Melrose. She left that job and travelled to Burbank, California where her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Leo “Bart” Schanhaar was stationed in the Army. They were united in marriage on June 20, 1942.  They returned to Melrose when Bart assumed ownership of his father’s business, the Swany White Bakery, where Lois assisted as the bookkeeper.

Family was her top priority. She focused on caring for their 5 children and home. She was an excellent cook, who enjoyed hosting many dinner parties. She was a skilled seamstress, a talented bridge player, and an above average golfer. She loved spending time knitting and reading. She especially delighted in summers at the cabin on Big Birch Lake hosting family, friends and lots of extra kids, and enjoying water sports such as swimming and water skiing. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Melrose, Christian Women, Daughters of Isabella, and the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 101. During the 1990s, Lois was a beloved volunteer teachers’ aide at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Melrose.

Survivors include her children, Sharon (John) Rose of Melrose, MN; Paul (Marilyn) Schanhaar of Deer River, MN, Mary Kay (John) Welle of Granger, IN, Tom (Deb Knutson) Schanhaar of Rosemount, MN, and Sara (Paul) Hoeschen of Sauk Centre, MN, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Shirley Albers of St. Cloud, MN.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Leo Schanhaar on April 5, 1989; parents, Paul and Beata (Hofmann) Buttweiler; brothers, Eugene Buttweiler and Paul Buttweiler, Jr.; sister, Aurea Goerger; and special friend, David Bergmann.

Lois will be remembered as a woman who was the epitome of love, graciousness and generosity. She was always ready for fun whether planned or spontaneous. She warmed the hearts of family and friends with her genuine compassion for and interest in them. There was always a hug ready, and if you knew her well you would get a pair of her hand knit slippers to warm your feet. She lived a long, full, and meaningful life. Lois was loved by many.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the charity of your choice.

A private Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Inurnment will be St. Mary’s Cemetery in Melrose at a later date.