Lois Jane Kirk-Schwake's Obituary
Lois Jane (Wyant) Kirk-Schwake, 98, of St. Petersburg, Florida passed away on May 11, 2026. Lois was born on June 25, 1927, to Roy Hanna Wyant and Cora M. (McCall) Wyant in Gentry County, Missouri. She married May 28, 1943, to Ralph Raymond Kirk in Los Angeles, California. Lois and Ray moved to Waterloo, Iowa from Los Angeles in January 1945. Floyd Raymond Kirk was born to Lois and Ray on April 8, 1948.
When Lois was 10 years old her mother and Father was divorced. Lois and 3 brothers went to live with their Grandparents, Arthur and Nellie Cable in Missouri. At the age of 12 she went to live with George and Hildred Martin in Davis City, Iowa. George was her mother's first cousin. While living there she met her future husband.
Lois started working at Schoitz Memorial Hospital on January 29, 1951. She continued working there for 36 years, retiring March 6, 1987. She did the payroll at Schoitz for 34 years.
On January 18, 1973, Lois and Ray were blessed with a Grandson, Mathew Adrian Kirk. They were again blessed with the birth of their Granddaughter on October 19, 1975.
Tragedy struck on August 17, 1987, when Ray died suddenly. On December 23, 1989, Lois married a longtime friend, Lavern R. Schwake. Again, tragedy struck on January 18, 1990, when Vern died suddenly.
Lois became active in Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary Aerie #4074 in Cedar Falls, Iowa and the AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary Post #19, Waterloo, Iowa. She was a Past Department President. She served as State President in 1996-1997. November 16, 1996, tragedy struck again. Lois's Grandson, Mathew was killed by a drunk driver. May 8, 1998, again she was devastated by the death of her Son and Daughter-in-law in a car accident.
The last several years Lois has had the companionship of her best friend, Charles Vondracek. They traveled a lot and lived in Florida for 6 months of the year and Evansdale for the other 6 months.
Lois is survived by her Granddaughter, Jennifer Ann Kirk, Great-grandchildren, Selena Cuellar and Hayden West, and many other nieces, nephews, and close friends of the community.
What’s your fondest memory of Lois?
What’s a lesson you learned from Lois?
Share a story where Lois' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Lois you’ll never forget.
How did Lois make you smile?