Lois Amy Skillrud

Lois Amy Skillrud, age 96, of Bloomington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:16 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Special Care in Normal. Born on December 30, 1928, in Moline, Illinois, Lois was the beloved daughter of Adolph and Amy Widing Dickhart.

Lois married Harold C. Skillrud on June 8, 1951, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Together, they shared a devoted partnership until Harold’s passing on January 5, 2021. Lois and Harold were pillars of the St. John’s Lutheran Church community in Bloomington, Illinois, playing instrumental roles in its growth and ministry.

Raised in Minnesota, Lois met Harold while attending Gustavus Adolphus College. She was an accomplished musician, known for her dedication to her craft and the joy she brought through music. Above all, Lois was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister who touched the lives of many.

She is survived by her three children: Dr. David M. Skillrud of Bloomington; Janet Christine (Fredrick) Render of Downs; and John Harold Skillrud of Bloomington. Lois also leaves behind nine cherished grandchildren: Hans (Donata) Skillrud, Kirsten (Chet) Imhoff, Leif (Victoria) Skillrud, Rikka (David) Wilton, Meta (Kolton) Canales, Linnea Skillrud, Andrew (Jordan) Bass, Christine (Danny Greenfield) Bass, and Nathaniel (Brielle) Bass. Her great-grandchildren include Chet Skillrud, Thomas and Clair Bass, and Ezra Greenfield. Additionally, Lois is remembered by her step-grandchildren Kara (Mike) Heuer, Janel (Brian) Rapp, and Chad (Amanda) Render, step great-grandchildren, Tucker, Carter, Jenna, Grace, Sydney, Cam and Mae as well as her sister-in-law Doris (Robert) Earl of Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Daniel (Judy) Dickhart.

A visitation to honor Lois will be held from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon on Monday, September 29, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL. Her funeral service will follow at 12 Noon the same day, officiated by Pastors David Glesne and Lyn Kern. Lois will be laid to rest with a graveside service at 2:30 PM at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington, IL.

The family kindly suggests that memorials be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bloomington, IL, in Lois’s memory. Arrangements are entrusted to Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, IL.

Lois Skillrud’s warmth, faith, and devotion to family and community will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her legacy of love and service continues to inspire.

Friends and family are invited to view the obituary and share condolences and memories online at www.calvertmemorial.com