Lois was born to Madeline and John Sprenke on March 6, 1937, in St. Louis, Mo. She was a graduate of St. Pius V parish school, St. Elizabeth Academy, and St. John’s Hospital School of Nursing. Lois was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, and friend. All of you who knew her encountered a woman of faith, full of kindness and compassion with a generous heart, always putting others first. Hers was a life of service, whether to her beloved family, her Seven Holy Founders church and school community, or her many years as a nurse. We will cherish the memories of times spent with Lois during the annual Herries Apple Butter weekends, the many camping trips with family and friends, or through simple conversations usually during a meal.
Lois understood the importance of giving to her community. During her 62 years at Seven Holy Founders parish you would have encountered Lois at Home and School meetings, as a Camp Fire Girl or Cub Scout leader, in the school Health Room, St. Vincent de Paul Cook In Team, parish blood drives, Hospitality Sundays, Rekindling the Faith, LIFT, SHF and Bishop DuBourg Alumni Moms, Sodality, Pro-Life, and numerous other volunteer events. Lois was active in the Red Cross as a community educator and blood drive coordinator. In 1977, she was awarded the Clara Barton Award, which focuses on service to humanity as exemplified by leadership and volunteer work to the Red Cross. Lois returned to work in the 1980’s as a pediatric nurse and retired at 70 years old.
Lois enjoyed reading, traveling, sewing, camping, canoeing, playing bridge, and spending time with family and friends. You could find her on weekday mornings at Mass followed by coffee with the church ladies at Schnucks Station or St. Louis Bread Company. She had a regular lunch rotation with groups that included high school friends, nursing school friends, Bishop DuBourg alumni moms, church ladies birthday club, pediatrician office staff, and her family members.
Lois’ ultimate love was her family. She was happiest when she was with her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 64 years, David C. Herries; her four sons and two daughters: Michael Herries (Paula), Mark Herries, Matthew Herries (Mary) Jane Vonder Haar (Roland), Elizabeth Chellis (Mark) and John Herries (Andrea); her thirteen grandchildren: Emma Buerke (Christopher), Benjamin Herries (Courtney), Mary Elizabeth Herries, Katherine Herries, Madeline Herries, Christian Chellis, Adam Vonder Haar, Garrison Herries, Joseph Chellis, Marina Herries, Roman Herries, Emily Chellis and August Herries; and one great-grandchild Rose Herries Buerke. Lois was the dear sister of the late Joan Boudreau (Frank), Carol Appelbaum (the late Jack), Jim Sprenke (Sue) and Ken Sprenke (Leslie).
Family will receive friends on Friday, April 26, at 9 a.m. prior to a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church in Affton, Mo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Seven Holy Founders St. Vincent de Paul Society.
one of the women that helped shape my life as welcoming and happy
Lois was a great wife, mother, grandmother, nurse and friend. She is certainly in heaven now.
She is truly a model to be imitated by all who came in contact with her.
Sincere condolences to Dave and all the Herries.
John and Trudy Chellis
Lois was like a second mother to me. All those years at Seven Holy Founders as a room mother. Whatever stupid stuff John and I were doing at the time the many times I would be over at the house. She will be missed.
Also I have Lois to thank for forcing John to hang out with the new kid in 4th grade. She introduced my best friend to me and I am forever in her debt.
I am very sad to hear about Lois’ passing, as I was just looking through photos of her and my mother, Betty Ziegler, last night. A bright, wonderful woman and great friend to my Mom. Much love and prayers to her family.
Mary Ziegler-Martin
That smile–those witting stories–her joyful entrance into the private room at Bravo’s restaurant to meet up with us fellow St. John’s nursing classmates. for lunch. The nurses’ day mementos and hand-crafted cards she urged her daughter to create so she could send one to each of us. Lois was one of a kind–now that she is truly with God, she will probably offer some decorating advice for heaven.
We will certainly miss her here on earth.
So many happy and unforgettable memories of times with Dave, Lois and the whole Herries clan. Lois was such a dear friend of the family, she was like family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God grant Lois the eternal blessings she so richly deserves.
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” Rev 21:4
A great lady. Always kind, compassionate, forward looking, smiling. – and – smart. A real presence. She will truly be missed. My sympathies to Dave and her entire family.
Aunt Lois was so sweet, thoughtful and loving to everyone. I have many fond memories of her on Apple Butter making days, as the hostess of many bridal showers, baby showers, Easter and Christmas Eve family gatherings. Aunt Lois told it like it is, gave great advice, and always had fun stories to share. I imagine she and my Mom, Frances Herries, have much catching up to do in Heaven. Deepest sympathies and much love to Uncle David, Mike, Mark, Matt, Liz, Jane, and John, and all of their families. Sending you strength today and peace in all the days ahead.
Lois was a kind and beautiful person. She always made everyone feel like family. I have many great memories of gatherings with Lois and Dave. There was always plenty of love and laughter to go around. She was a remarkable woman who I am grateful to have known.