Lois M. Holmbo (Paul)
December 13, 1932 – May 20, 2025

Lois M. Holmbo, age 92, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2025, at Unity Hospital in Fridley. Born in Anoka on December 13, 1932, Lois lived a full life marked by grit, generosity, and a spirited twinkle in her eye.

She grew up in Champlin, Minnesota, the strong-willed daughter of a widowed mother, alongside her protective big brother, Jerry, and four sisters. Her childhood gave her a tomboy streak and a resourceful heart, traits she never outgrew.

Lois met the love of her life, Dean "Gib" Holmbo, at the local crick, where he famously told her to "come back when you learn to swim." She did and never stopped proving people wrong with determination and grace. Lois and Gib were married at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka in 1951, shortly before Gib deployed to Korea. When he returned, they settled in Champlin and had their sons, Bradley and Peter. Lois was a constant presence in their lives, cheering at their sporting events, chasing after their antics (including a memorable run-in with the police after some late-night wheelchair races). Even as Brad faced his battle with Hodgkin's disease, Lois balanced the fun with fierce devotion, caring for him and her family with strength.

Later in life, Gib and Lois retired to their beloved cabin on Lake Portage in Aitkin County, where they delighted in simple pleasures: feeding deer, enjoying lake breezes, and taking scenic drives to admire the wildlife or into town. The lake became a gathering place, where Lois and Gib often bravely hosted all six grandchildren at once, a whirlwind of laughter, campfires, and joyful chaos. Lois could be found untangling fishing lines, baiting hooks, stoking the bonfire, and encouraging the kids to try freshly picked veggies still dusted with dirt. She built a life rich in love, laughter, homegrown goodness, and lasting memories for everyone lucky enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Nina Paul; her husband, Gib; her son, Bradley Holmbo; and her grandson, Jordan Holmbo (son of Pete). Also preceding her were her siblings, Gerald "Jerry" (Ginger) Paul, Nina (Dennis) Ward, and Norma (Richard) Chounard, and their beloved spouses.

She is survived by her son Peter (Tammy) Holmbo and their daughters, Kourtnei (Ryan) Ellis and Haylee (Jeremy) May; Brad's children, Rachael (Michael) Piere, Josh (Jolene) Holmbo, and Adam (Alyssa) Holmbo; her beloved great-grandchildren; her sisters, Joan Zettervall and Bev Kobs; and many nieces, nephews, dear friends and daughter-in-law, Deb (Brad) Holmbo.

Lois generously gave her time to others, volunteering at the local clothing closet in McGregor, organizing the town's blood drives, and planting both beauty and wisdom as a certified Master Gardener. She had a wit that could make you laugh when you least expected it (even offering some adorable sass in her final hours), a heart that never hesitated to give of her time, and a practical mind that could fix just about anything with duct tape and determination.

She was a proud member of the Lois Club, a lover of road trips, and a cabin explorer who encouraged those around her to do their best, try new things, ask big questions, and get muddy. She showed up, every time, with a smile, a smart remark, and a whole lot of love.

A celebration of Lois's life will be held on June 5, 2025, at Thurston-Lindberg-DeShaw Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 10:00 AM, with the service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Connie Tiede of Zion Lutheran Church, Anoka.

In lieu of flowers, plant something. Help a neighbor.  Give of your time and talent to help others grow. That's how Lois would've done it.