Lois J. Pick, (nee Johnson) age 91, of West Bend, passed away Thursday, October 22, 2009 at St. Luke's Medical Center in Milwaukee.
She was born on September 10, 1918 in Newark, NJ. Lois attended Maplewood High School in South Orange, NJ, and graduated with a B.A. Degree in Journalism from Rollins College in Winter Park, FL. While in school Lois was a champion fencer and a member of the women's crew team.
On June 12, 1940 Lois was united in marriage to her college roommate's brother, Robert B. Pick, in Maplewood, NJ. They made their home in West Bend and shared over two thirds of a century raising their family. They enjoyed summers at the Pick cottage on Big Cedar Lake, where Lois and Bob honeymooned. In 1955 they purchased their own summer home on the lake and in 1973 it was rebuilt to become their year round home. They enjoyed traveling, visiting all 50 states and several foreign countries.
Lois was a tireless community service volunteer, engaged in many activities including teaching, scouting, Museum of Wisconsin Art docent, and work for her church, St. James Episcopal. She was an accomplished author, artist, and painter. Lois celebrated her 90th birthday with the publishing of a book she wrote and illustrated called "Save My Tree", about a mouse whose home at the base of the tree is endangered by highway construction, and in the end the tree is saved by the Historical Society who declares it a part of our history.
She is survived by three children, Robert B. Pick II of West Bend, Suzanne Leto of Carpentersville, IL, and Carl "Cappy" (Barbara) Pick of Honolulu, HI; four grandchildren, Anthony Pick, Amy (Christopher) O'Neal, Micheli Kay Holiskey, and Robert B. Pick III; a granddaughter-in-law, Sara Leto; seven great-grandchildren, Zachary, Anthony, and Hunter Pick, Declan, Liam, and Teah O'Neal, and Emma Leto; two sisters-in-law, Mary Pick-Steiner of Sun City West, AZ, and Bonnie Pick of Oak Park, IL; other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Pick in October of 2007; a daughter, Jenny Rose Pick; a son Andrew Pick; a grandson, Timothy Leto; and three brothers, Ralph, Owen and Donald.
A Mass of the Resurrection to celebrate Lois's life will be held on Saturday October 31st at 11:00 am at St. James Episcopal Church (148 S. 8th Ave.). Fr. Kevin Carroll will be the celebrant. A reception to share memories will follow. Visitation will be Friday at the Myrhum - Patten Funeral Home from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Private family inurnment will be in Washington County Memorial Park. Memorials to St. James Episcopal Church are appreciated.