LOIS ANN WYSS
LOIS ANN WYSS
Lois Ann Wyss, lovingly known as “Chipper,” of Black River Falls was called to her heavenly home March 31, 2025, while surrounded by family.
Chipper was born April 20, 1956, to Wendell G. Stetzer and Ruth M. (Simonson) Stetzer at St. Ann’s Hospital in La Crosse, WI.
Chipper was a 1974 graduate of Melrose-Mindoro High School. Her high school years were spent participating in choir, drama and band. She was most proud of being the first chair clarinetist and the point position for the Marching Mustangs. This position was key in the marching band; if her steps were off, so was the entire band. She was active in forensics, winning state titles three years in a row.
She had the honor of serving as Miss Jackson County in 1976. This was an ideal role for Chipper, a nickname that sprang from a bad haircut in college and continued due to her infectious smile and zest for life. She would greet everyone with a hug and a kiss. She had the ability to see beauty in others and help them see light within themselves as well. She made friends everywhere she went, frequently turning a 15-minute grocery store run into an hour or more.
She continued her education at WWTC in La Crosse, earning an associate’s degree as a dental assistant in 1976. This began a lifetime passion for healthcare. She began her career as a dental assistant. Then transitioned into chiropractic care, assisting with stimulation therapy and massage therapy. She ended her career at Black River Memorial Hospital, serving in multiple roles throughout the organization, retiring May 21, 2021.
On Feb. 25, 1978, she married the love of her life, Robert “Joe” Wyss. Chipper was a loving mother to three children, Casey, Skip and Emmy. She dedicated countless hours supporting, encouraging and guiding her children to chase their dreams. Chipper and Joe had a passion for travel. They enjoyed several tours across the U.S. and Canada on their Honda Goldwing. No matter where they ventured, their strong love and admiration for each other was evident.
Chipper was always up for a new experience. One of her greatest joys was being a Grammy. She shared a special connection with each of her grandchildren. They filled her heart with love and joy.
She found a creative outlet in cake decorating that carried on for years, spanning from weddings to birthdays to graduations. You name it, and she made it. She easily became interested in home-based entrepreneurship. Throughout the years, she sold Home Interior’s, Amway, Miche and Norwex. In retirement, she spent time driving with the convertible club and countless hours sipping wine, socializing and working at Creekside Winery.
Chipper was proceeded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, Robert “Joe” Wyss; father Wendell Stetzer; grandparents Vincent and Emma (Bruley) Stetzer and Leo and Virginia (Tenner) Youncke; in-laws Robert E. and Betty (Norgaard) Wyss; and aunts, uncles and cousins.
Chipper is survived by her children, Casey (Bobbi) Wyss, Skip (Julie) Wyss and Emmy Davis; grandchildren Peyton, Grayson, Breckin, Gavin, Maeli, Whitley and MaKayla; mother Ruth (Simonson) Stetzer; siblings Debra (Bernard) Sobkowiak, David (Lori) Stetzer and Larry “Boxer” (Cindy) Stetzer and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Her family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Black River Memorial Hospital, Moments Hospice, St. Croix Hospice and Dove Healthcare for the exceptional care that was provided to Chipper.
The celebration of life open house for Chipper will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the United Methodist Church in Black River Falls.
Torgerson’s Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.