Lois Schempp, 91, long-time resident of Alcester, SD, passed away into the loving arms of her Lord & Savior on March 15, 2024 at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls, SD.

Lois Mae Nelson was born August 14, 1932 to parents Evert & Mabel (Backlund) Nelson in Hawarden, Iowa.  Lois's early years were spent in Hawarden, Beresford, SD, Portland, Ore., & Vermillion, SD.  In 1947, her parents purchased the Big Springs store near Alcester.  Lois became a member of Big Springs Baptist Church shortly thereafter, and became deeply involved in various ministries at Big Springs throughout her life.

Lois graduated from Alcester High School in 1950.  She was a school teacher at 2 country schools, Ring & Star, from 1950-1952.  Lois married her high school sweetheart, Rodney Schempp, on June 6, 1952 at the Big Springs church parsonage. Rodney & Lois owned & operated the family farm until retiring in 2005.

Lois's greatest joy was her personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and seeing her family & others accept Christ as their Savior.  Among her other joys were: church organist for over 40 years, women's bible studies & prayer groups, and traveling with Rodney throughout the U.S., most notably trips to Branson, Missouri.  She & Rodney spent countless hours with their children, grandchildren & great-grandchildren.  Additional activities in later years were spent with Rodney watching Alcester-Hudson school activities on TV, and enjoying videos of gospel hymn singing.

Lois is survived by her husband of 71 years, Rodney, 5 children: Cindy Sailor, Rick (Joni) Schempp, Perry (Linda) Schempp, Wendy Schempp, and Jaimey (Jenelle) Schempp. 10 grandchildren: Ryan (Andrea) Sailor, Ross (Johanna) Sailor, Rebekah (Seth) Dekkenga, Rachel (Bill) Ballard, Kari Schempp, Mallory (Austin) Rykhus, Matthew (Macey) Schempp, Ben (Caitlin) Schempp, Lindsey (Mitch) Eisma, and Lexy Sorlie.  Also surviving are 23 great-grandchildren:  Jenni, Jalissa, Megan, Brandon, Toby, Jude, Vivian, Levi, Norah, Parker, Brinley, Collin, Alaya, Eleanor, Tessa, Emmie, Brooks, Charlotte, Kaia, Marley, Harrison, Stassi, and arriving soon, a baby boy.  A sister, Karen Nelson, and sister-in-law, Hermie Schempp also survive.

Preceding Lois in death were her parents, brothers Donald & Darold, and 2 son-in-laws, Cal Olson and Tom Sailor.

Visitation with the family present will be from 5:00-7:00 pm on Tuesday, March 19 at Wass Funeral Home in Alcester.  Memorial Service will be 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 20 at Big Springs Baptist Church, rural Alcester.  Private interment to take place prior to service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Alcester, SD.