Lois A. Herbst

Lois Ann Herbst (nee Birdsong), born July 21, 1929, lived a life centered on faith, family, and service to others. A lifelong member of the Catholic Church, she began at St. Elizabeth’s in Milwaukee, WI—where she attended grade school and formed cherished lifelong friendships— she then graduated from Messmer High School in January 1947 and later became a devoted parishioner at St. Joseph’s Parish in Grafton, WI in 1968, remaining active for the remainder of her life.

Lois was united in marriage with Gerald “Jerry” H. Herbst Sr. on August 21, 1948, at St. Elizabeth’s in Milwaukee, WI. Lois and Jerry took the words from the bible, “Increase and Multiply” very literally. Their marriage was blessed with six children: Mike (Martie), Kathy (Donn), Denis, Jerry Jr. (Patrice), Theresa (Todd) St. Louis, and Patsy (Mike) Wilhelme. She was a proud grandmother to 18 grandchildren and a beloved great-grandmother to 55 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy. Alongside her husband, Gerald, she built a home filled with love and strong Christian friendships.

Her faith was the quiet strength that guided her life. Through Bible studies, prayer, and involvement in Catholic Family Movement (CFM) and the Notre Dame Charismatic Renewal, she nurtured a deep and enduring relationship with God. She found joy in caring for others—whether through making rosaries for the missions, baking and cooking for those she loved (especially her German potato salad), or serving her community and the elderly with compassion and grace. In 2000, she was honored as Ozaukee County Volunteer of the Year, a reflection of the generosity she lived out every day. She also treasured simple moments—gathering with loved ones whether playing sheepshead or poker, sitting around the kitchen table sharing stories, or girls’ shopping trips.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald, her parents, Hubert and Phyllis Birdsong, her two sisters, Mary and Phyllis, and infant angels in Heaven. She is further preceded in death by many family members and friends that she so dearly loved. Reunited with Gerald and held in God’s eternal peace, she will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, and the love she gave so freely to her family and all who knew her.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial for Lois at St. Joseph’s Parish in Grafton on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 1:00 PM with the burial immediately following at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Prior to the Mass, visitation will be from 10:45 AM till 12:45 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family to distribute to Los Toros Foundation Inc. and Rising Stars Volunteer Tutors.

To access the live-stream, visit https://www.youtube.com/live/_lPRNruzwA0?si=CgOxmgy73Os05PZD