LOIS IDA (BREDLOW) SPAULDING
LOIS IDA (BREDLOW) SPAULDING
On Friday, July 5, 2024, Lois Ida (Bredlow) Spaulding, loving wife and mother of four boys, passed away surrounded by family at Riverside Assisted Living in Neillsville, WI, at age 93.
Celebrating a remarkable life, well lived: Lois was born June 3, 1931, in Detroit, MI, to Carl and Alethe Bredlow, the oldest of two daughters. She grew up in Watertown, WI, an active 4-H member and a particularly good seamstress. Lois graduated from Stout Institute (University of Wisconsin-Stout) earning a degree in home economics and spent time living in Australia as a representative of the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE).
Lois met Allan Spaulding in Black River Falls, WI, after becoming Jackson County’s home economics agent. They wed July 25, 1959, at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Watertown, WI.
The Spaulding’s resided briefly in Wauwatosa, WI, before returning to Black River Falls, opening Spaulding Texaco in 1964. They were remarkable, lifelong business owners and entrepreneurs with Lois a driving force behind all Allan and Lois’s business ventures. In addition to Spaulding Texaco, their endeavors include, Al’s Big Chief Truck Stop & Restaurant, Trucks of Wisconsin, The River House Restaurant, Black River Falls’ beloved Tastee Treat and the horse and livestock operations associated with Thunderbird Farms. Of course, exhibiting champion Morgan horses across the country was the day’s order.
Lois read voraciously and was always an avid sports fan, particularly high school basketball, closely following her children’s and grandchildren’s high school and college athletic careers, seldom missing any of their games. A longtime member of Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church, she worshipped regularly, enjoying summer Sunday services on Lake Arbutus in Hatfield. She loved to knit and sew; the entire family treasures her handmade Christmas stockings and afghans. Lois strongly supported 4-H and youth programs her entire life. She loved playing the family card game “Shanghai”; we fondly remember so many competitive games.
Lois is preceded in death by parents Carl and Alethe Bredlow and stepmother Myrtle.
She is survived by husband Allan; sons Scott, Craig, Jeff and Kevin; grandchildren Justin, Sara, Jack, Emma, Spencer and Abby; two great-grandsons Jaden and Cru; her sister, Carol Leonard of Texas; and numerous nieces and cousins.
Visitations are Friday, Aug. 2, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Torgeson’s Funeral Home, 408 N. Water Street, Black River Falls and at the church, 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3. Funeral services are Saturday, Aug. 3, 11 a.m. at Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church, 115 North 5th Street, Black River Falls. A luncheon immediately follows the service at the church. Internment is 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Melrose Cemetery, State Hwy. 54, Melrose, WI.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials made to Black River Falls Evangelical Lutheran Church, Interfaith Volunteers Black River Falls or Friends Sharing Food of Jackson County in Lois’ name.