Obituary: Lois Elaine (LaFond) Reichardt

Lois Elaine (LaFond) Reichardt, age 89, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, with her family by her side. 

Lois was born at home on Tuesday, April 9, 1935. She grew up with her parents and her older brother, Robert (Bob) in Two Rivers, WI. After high school, Lois went on to UW Madison where she earned degrees in both English and speech. After college, she met her future husband, Rodger. Lois was living with Rodger’s sister at the time when Rodger stopped in to pick his sister up for a family weekend, and the courtship began! They were married in Two Rivers on August 1, 1959. She went back to college at UW Oshkosh for her teaching certificate. She taught English for two years at Appleton High School (now West High School). 

Lois then began her job as a full-time homemaker and mother to three sons: Guy (Cheryl Hallada), Randy (Jenny) and Kevin (Jane). She also has five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. Lois and Rodger spent many years camping with their boys in the summer as a family. Later they bought a lakefront cottage in Rosholt, WI, and created years of cherished memories with family and friends.

Lois’ favorite pastime was reading. She belonged to a book club which met for many years. She also belonged to the “Wilson Wives Club” which was made up of Wilson Jr. High wives, because Rodger was teaching at Wilson Jr. High at the time. This ‘club’ originated in 1961 and turned into a Bridge Club consisting of twelve members that existed for over 50 years! Lois loved going to the casino and enjoyed doing a variety of crafts such as decorating eggs, as well as attending local craft fairs. She was also very active in her parish, St. Therese Catholic Church, where she was a member of several committees including the school board, parish council, and Octoberfest. She was also a Communion Minister until retirement took her and Rodger to Gulf Shores, AL for the winter months every year. 

In 1974, Rodger and Lois bought a 3-story house in the heart of Appleton’s Historic District. After Rodger passed away in May 2017, her family urged her to find something smaller where she could have a network of people to help her, and no worries about all the responsibilities of owning a large home. She moved into Heritage Senior Living in 2018 where she reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

Lois is survived by her sons: Guy (Cheryl Hallada), Randy (Jenny), and Kevin (Jane); her grandchildren Morgan and Kenzi (Randy and the late Shelly); Rachel, Brady, and Olivia Reichardt (Kevin and Jane); and her step-grandchildren Tony Mattioli, Allie Mattioli, and Josie Mattioli (Jenny).

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, John and Vivian La Fond, her brother Robert (Bob) La Fond, sister-in-law Mary Ann La Fond, her beloved husband Rodger, and daughter-in-law Shelly Reichardt. 

A Mass of Resurrection for Lois will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 12:00 pm at St. Therese Catholic Church, 213 E. Wisconsin Ave. in Appleton, WI, with visitation beginning at 10:30 am until the time of Mass.  In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Lois’ family would like to thank the caregivers at Heritage and ThedaCare Regional Medical Center for their dedication. Lois’ life was filled with love, grace, and devotion to her family. She lived an amazing, long, well-lived, and well-loved life. She was cherished by all who knew her and will be deeply missed by those she left behind.