Obituary of Lois Irene Jeronimus

JERONIMUS, Lois Irene, age 70, of Dayton, passed away on April 19, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was known above all other things for her kind, loving and selfless heart -- a fact her husband, children, grandchildren, dozens of exchange students and pets will attest to. Lois had a content personality when it came to hobbies (knitting and quilting being two of her favorite), but her quiet pastimes belied an unexpected worldly life. Her father’s work moved often, so Lois had already experienced living in many different places before meeting the love of her life, Don (while he was stationed in Abilene, TX) and the couple settled in Minnesota. Few people who experienced her impressive Minnesotan accent as an adult could believe she had not grown up in the state.

Over the next nearly five decades their travels would take them overseas to Europe many times -- often to visit an exchange student’s home country. Lois always had a curiosity for people from cultures and learning their stories. As much as she loved seeing new countries, though, no vacation spot could ever top Disney for Lois. A true fan of Disney experiences, she enjoyed countless cruises, trips to resorts and adventures in all the parks creating cherished memories.

Before retiring in 2013, Lois dutifully provided 24 years of service to Allianz Life and LifeUSA. Outside of her family, few things made her prouder than her contribution to the company’s success, especially the early years when LifeUSA was still a small enterprise. She found great purpose in her work, and was grateful to have made many, many friends across the company during her tenure.

Lois is preceded in death by her parents, Seymour Schaefer and Dorothy Schaefer; father, Norman Bernstein and many beloved furbabies. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 47 years, Don Jeronimus; their daughters, Mia (Matt) Trebesch, Mandy Jeronimus, Sarah (Peter) Lofgren; grandchildren, Xavier and Zachary Trebesch, Dean and Eve Lofgren; brother, Edward (Judy) Schaefer; many relatives, a host of international exchange students and her many good friends. A private service is planned, with a public celebration of her life to come in summer 2019. Memorials preferred to the American Humane Society in Lois’ name.