Lois Jirovec, 88, of Merrill, passed away Thursday, January 26th at Pine Crest Nursing Home.

She was born May 7, 1923 in Merrill to the late Harry & Adela (Rathke) Stearns. On August 16, 1941, in Merrill, she married Theodore William Jirovec. He preceded her in death January 4, 1994.
Lois graduated from Merrill Senior High School. She worked with her husband in farming. Lois was very crafty and enjoyed quilting, embroidery and rug weaving. She was on the Class Reunion Committee and a member of St. Stephens United Church of Christ.
Survivors include her children: Sandra Jirovec, Rockford, IL, Michael (Marilyn) Jirovec, Merrill, and Sheryl (Joel) Jacobi, Wausau; five grandchildren: Karen Riets, Bryce Jirovec, Rory Jirovec, Melanie Dalland & Clinton Jacobi; six great-grandchildren: Christine & Brittany Blakeslee, Addison, Brenna & Claire Jirovec and Samantha Dalland; sister: Patricia Sargent, Sun Prairie, WI; brother-in-law: Monroe ‘Chub’ Hein, Baraboo; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Carlen & Venita Stevens, Merrill; sisters-in-law: Olga Zipp, Tomahawk, and Erma Neumann, Wausau; and cousins, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Theodore, and sisters, Jane Gresens, Lila Reynolds, Dawn Hein, Faye Stearns and Mary Ellen Stearns.
Services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at St. Stephens United Church of Christ. Rev. Jack Kraaz will officiate. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 31, 2012 from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Entombment will follow in Merrill Memorial Park. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.