Memorial Trees
A
Anonymous
January 29, 2026
T
The Werkmeister family
January 28, 2026
Memorial trees planted for:
Lois Anne Gerard
<p>Lois Anne (Mishak) Gerard, 88, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family after a lengthy illness. Lois was born on December 16, 1937, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Ralph and Evelyn (Klein) Mishak.</p><p><br></p><p>After graduating from St. Mary’s Catholic School in 1955, Lois moved to Iowa City to train as an X-ray technician at Mercy Hospital. There, she met the love of her life, Kenneth Gerard. They were united in marriage on December 28, 1957, in Waterloo. Together, Lois and Ken welcomed five children—Amy, Richard, Laura, Jim, and Alan. Motherhood was Lois’s most cherished role, and she devoted herself fully to raising her children. As her children got older, she helped operate Gerard Electric, Inc., the family’s business.</p><p><br></p><p>Lois devoted countless hours to her children’s sporting events and school activities as they grew up, always being present for moments that mattered to them. Later on, she immersed herself in the same activities for her grandchildren, rarely missing a game, performance, or special milestone. She regularly volunteered her time at Regina Booster events, always extending a helping hand and a smile that could light up any room. She created joyful memories during summers on the river in Guttenberg, Iowa, with her family and friends and cherished winter months in Florida.</p><p><br></p><p>As her illness progressed, her great-grandchildren continued to be a bright light in her life, bringing joy and countless smiles that reflected the deep love she always held for them.</p><p><br></p><p>Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Kenneth Gerard, and their children: Amy (Steve) Kron, Laura (Rich) Smith, Jim Gerard, and Alan (Lori) Gerard. She was a nurturing grandmother to: Rick (Brittany) Kron, Elizabeth (Nathan) Armentrout, Sara (Shawn) Ostrander, Erin (Jerad) Wiskus, Megan Smith Forbes, Matt Smith, Owen (Shannon) Gerard, Nick Gerard, Trent Gerard, Amber Gerard, Amanda (fiancé Ian) Gerard, and Dominick Giannini. She was blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Riley, and Jaxson Armentrout; Nile and Stella Kron; Payton and Paisley Ostrander; Blakely and Beau Wiskus; Jordy and Kellen Forbes; and Beau and McKenna Gerard.</p><p><br></p><p>Lois is survived by her loving sister Ruth Craig Knapp and was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Evelyn (Klein) Mishak; her son, Richard; her brother and sister-in-law, Russ and Donna Mishak; her sister and brother-in-law, Janice and Gene Martin; her brother-in-law, Tom Craig; and her in-laws, Walter and Gail (Montross) Gerard.</p><p><br></p><p>Lois lived her life in service to others, guided by unwavering faith. Her devotion to her family will continue to guide and inspire for generations to come.</p><p><br></p><p>Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Friday, February 6th, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Iowa City. Visitation with the family and a luncheon will follow immediately in the Parish Hall.</p><p><br></p><p>Memorials to honor Lois may be made to the Regina Foundation.</p><p><br></p><p>Online condolences at www.lensingfuneral.com</p><p><br></p>December 16, 1937 - January 23, 202612/16/193701/23/2026
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