Obituary of Lois Marie Rockvam

Lois Marie (Carlson) Rockvam, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, peacefully passed away surrounded by family, on June 3rd at the age of 81.  Lois was born on August 15th, 1943 in Wilmar, MN to Donald and Mildred Carlson.  She was a star student, Valedictorian (in a class of 33) and a good friend to all, voted Homecoming Queen.  After graduation, Lois left Kerkhoven, headed to Minneapolis and attended Augsburg then Swedish Nursing School.  After college, she hit the road to Colorado in her Ford Mustang to work at a hospital in the Rocky Mountains. 

She returned to Minnesota to be closer to family, lefse, lutefisk and all things Scandinavian.  It was good timing, months later, she met John on a blind date.  They were married within a year, had 56 wonderful years together, adopted 2 Korean kids, was in book clubs, Bible studies, Applewood Cornhole champion, collected Red Wing Pottery, had adventures around the globe and loved buying new cars – but would say it was dad’s idea.  They moved to Middletown, CT for a dozen years and created an extraordinary life there, were proud of their garden with native plants, made many friends and lived like tourists and explored all the East Coast had to offer.   After retirement, they moved back to MN, to be close to family and friends, cheer on Q&A in all sports and activities, and dog sit their granddog Waffles, the pug.  During meals she let Waffles sit in a chair at the table at her house too.

Lois is survived by her devoted husband John, brothers Wayne (Pam) and Kent, children Michael and Sara (Jordan) Carlson, and beloved grandchildren Quinn and Annie;   many nieces, nephews, and the best group of Wednesday pals one could ever have. Preceded in death by Donald, Mildred, Nancy, Mary Beth Carlson and Waffles.

A memorial service will be held on June 16th at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, 8400 France Ave S, Bloomington MN.

Service is at 11 am, visitation one hour prior to services at the church.

Private interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing, at a later date.