Lois Wasmoen

Lois Ingrid (Evenson) Wasmoen of Albert Lea, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at The Waters of Highland Park in St. Paul. She was 94 years old.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Ryan Stevenson-Cosgrove will officiate. Burial will follow at LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery near New Richland, Minnesota.

 

Lois was born on December 3, 1931 in rural Steele County to Oscar and Ella (Sunde) Evenson, the sixth of their children. She was baptized on January 3, 1932, and confirmed on May 19, 1946 at LeSueur River Lutheran Church in rural New Richland, Minnesota. Throughout her life, Lois’ faith remained important to her as she attended Sunday school and church. When she was nearly four, her family moved to the Evenson family farm following the death of her grandfather. She became a companion to her grandmother Maren and valued the time they shared. Lois grew up near New Richland, attended Ruth Country School, and graduated from New Richland High School on June 2, 1949. After graduation, she worked on the family farm before moving to Albert Lea, where she was employed as a bookkeeper at Queen Stove Works. On August 2, 1952, she married Richard “Dick” Wasmoen at LeSueur River Lutheran Church. Six weeks later, Dick was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After his training, Lois joined him at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and they remained there for two years. They returned to Albert Lea, where they both worked. Dick’s employment led them to relocate to Swea City, Iowa, where they welcomed three children: Marcia, Brian, and Alan. In 1970, Wilson’s transferred Dick to their station in New Ulm, MN. Lois worked in the office at Pink’s clothing store. In 1975, they returned to Albert Lea, where they settled.

 

Lois remained active in church life in every community where she lived. She sang in the choir, participated in women’s groups, and attended many Bible studies, including Bethel and Search Bible Studies taught by Richard. She valued time spent with family and friends, whether in person or by phone, and took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

 

She is survived by her children: Marcia (Roger) Ahlgren, Brian Wasmoen, and Alan (Terri) Wasmoen; seven grandchildren: Jeremy (Angie) Ahlgren, Darren Ahlgren, Brett (Elisa Vicuña) Ahlgren, Judd Wasmoen, Jardy Wasmoen, Lara Wasmoen, and Reid Wasmoen; four great-grandchildren: Gabby, Annaleise, Theodore, and Oscar; and by numerous nieces and nephews, friends, and loved ones.

 

Lois was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Richard Wasmoen (2008); her parents, Oscar and Ella Evenson; her siblings: Stuart (Dorothy) Evenson, Oswald (Marjorie) Evenson, Margaret (George) Ellis, Helen (Alvin) Mork, and Lenore (Robert) Johnson; her great-granddaughter Ella Ahlgren; and Wasmoen family members; several nieces and nephews; and other family members and friends.

 

Memorials are preferred to : Peace and Power at First Lutheran Church or the LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery fund.

 

Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home in Albert Lea, MN, has been honored with assisting the family.