Lois Nystrom

Lois Jean (Meyer) Nystrom, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, nurse, volunteer, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on August 19, 1930, in Brainerd, Minnesota, to Elmer and Mabel Meyer. Lois was a woman of deep compassion, remarkable energy, and unwavering dedication to others. She was the first in her family to pursue extended education, attending the esteemed Kahler School of Nursing in Rochester, MN, from 1948 to 1951, where she earned her Registered Nurse degree through Mayo’s rigorous three-year nursing program.

Early in her nursing career, Lois spent two years serving at the Red Lake Indian Reservation Medical Center, caring for Native American families and individuals facing significant health and social challenges. This experience profoundly shaped her lifelong sense of empathy, compassion, and commitment to helping those most in need.

Lois devoted nearly four decades of her professional life to St. Joseph’s Hospital and later to St. Joseph’s Medical Center, where she served as a respected night charge nurse from 1953 until her retirement in 1990. She was known for her calm leadership, strength under pressure, and exceptional care for both patients and staff.

Her heart for service extended far beyond her nursing career. Lois was also a longtime volunteer with Planned Parenthood, where she compassionately supported women and families in times of need. She believed deeply in meeting people with dignity, empathy, and practical care, and she carried that same spirit of compassion into every part of her life.

On April 24, 1954, Lois married the love of her life, Arthur “Art” Nystrom, in Brainerd, Minnesota. Together they shared 70 beautiful years of marriage, partnership, and devotion before Art’s passing on November 7, 2024. Their love story was one of faithfulness, laughter, and service to their community.

Lois is survived by her three sons: Robert (Rachel Reabe, deceased), Richard (Lori), and Brian (Mary Ann Fudge); seven grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren. Just one day before her passing, her face lit up at the sight of two of her great-grandsons.

To those who knew her best, Lois was lovingly known as the “Energizer Bunny” because she simply never stopped. She kept going and going, always serving, organizing, helping, and showing up for others.

A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, Lois lived out her faith through service. She was especially devoted to Bethany Good Samaritan Village, where she served as the longest-tenured Auxiliary President in its history. Under her leadership, the auxiliary became one of the most successful in the Good Samaritan Society, hosting the renowned Good Sam Bowl fundraiser year after year.

With her beloved Robert’s Rules of Order in hand, Lois presided over meetings with grace, precision, and a touch of humor, lovingly “keeping the troops in line,” as friends fondly recall. Alongside Art, she was always the first to volunteer, whether leading brat sales at Cub Foods, where Art grilled and Lois ran the show, or spending countless hours in the Bethany Gift Shop, where she could be found almost daily, warmly welcoming residents, staff, and visitors alike.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to WonderTrek Children's Museum in Brainerd, in honor of Lois's love for children and learning. A small service will take place this summer at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, where Lois will be laid to rest beside her dear husband, Art