Lois Zwettler

Lois Jean Zwettler

Age 92, soon to have been 93, passed away on December 30, 2020 due to COVID-19.

Lois was born on January 10, 1928 in Waunakee, Wisconsin to John and Marion Ireland and grew up with her two sisters, Kathryn and Evelyn.

At an early age, Lois discovered the art world; Later as a teenager, the art world discovered her. As a child protégé of the Wisconsin Artist-in Residence, John Steuart Curry, she painted under his mentorship at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Shortly thereafter, at the age of 21, she headed off to study at the vaunted Art Student League in New York City.  One of her works from that time, perhaps one of her greatest, was a simple pencil drawing of a New York City 'Bowery Bum', who sported long flowing white hair and full beard.  To some, it was the consummate image of God, himself.

In her mid-twenties, with the sale of some of her art, she headed off to Europe on a post WWII, refurbished White-Star line ship. She traveled herself by train, to appreciate the great works of  Michelangelo, da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens, Breughel, and her favorite, Van Gogh. One particular point of interest was the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican in Rome where she gazed at the ceiling by herself!

About eight years prior to her visit to the Sistine Chapel, Lois' future husband, John Zwettler, had also visited the famous chapel as a member of the U.S. Fifth Army/95th Evacuation Field Hospital.  The occasion of the visit was the Allies triumphant retaking of Rome.

At the age of 30, Lois married John Zwettler and moved to Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where their sons, Scott and Chris were born and raised.  As colorful a person as Lois was, John, a barber by trade, was her equal.

Lois struggled with mental illness much of her life but her bright spirit overcame the dark times.  Her resolute commitment to art kept her going through the hardships of 2020.  She loved animals, classic movies, long drives in the country, and especially music. Her taste ranged from Edvard Grieg, to Dave Brubeck, to Johnny Cash, ABBA, and the Doors.  She'd often crank it up loud, neighbors be damned, and dance to the beat.  She liked to say that she "got her exercise" that way.

All of these provided her with inspiration for her beautiful pastel art works.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband John and her sisters Kathryn and Evelyn.  She is survived by her sons Chris,(Julie) and Scott,(Sheila); her grandchildren, Jack and Rose Zwettler; and many nieces and nephews.

Her legacy lives on in her countless works of art and in her son's families...

Special thanks to the exceptional caregivers at Encore at Mahtomedi, The Estates at Greeley, Regina in Hastings and Lakeview Hospital in Stillwater.

Celebration of Lois' life will be held Friday, 4 - 7:00 PM at Bradshaw, 2800 Curve crest Boulevard, Stillwater, with a time of sharing at 6:00 PM.  Suggested memorials in lieu of flowers, to NAMI, National Alliance on Mental Illness, at: https://nami.org/Home

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