November 14, 1930 - August 26, 2026
Lois Kompelien Obituary
November 14, 1930 - August 26, 2026
95 years, 9 months, 12 days
After a long and purposeful life, Lois Kompelien passed away at the age of 95, and is now in Heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ. Born November 14, 1930, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Carroll and Myrtle Baklund. Lois grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from Roosevelt High School. On June 10, 1950, Lois married Arlon D. Kompelien and had their first child 10 months later. They then moved to New Jersey for two years while Arlon worked as an engineer. While living in New Jersey, Lois prayed with a neighbor to ask Christ to forgive her sins and be her Savior and Lord. For the rest of her life, her faith was reflected in her words, and in the way she lived.
Lois and Arlon moved back to Minnesota to be close to family while they raised their four children in Richfield. They started attending Emmaus Free Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minnesota, where Lois’ love for music was evident during her 32 years of serving as organist and pianist for the church. Additionally, Lois shared her musical talent by working part-time during those early years teaching piano to multiple students. When her children were a little older, Lois worked as an administrative assistant for various organizations.
In the early 1970’s, Lois and Arlon purchased a cabin in Crosslake, Minnesota and transformed it into their retirement home. For many of the 20 years they were residents of Crosslake, Lois played the organ and piano for The Log Church located in Crosslake. Lois and Arlon were also snowbirds for many of their retirement years, and spent winters in Mesa, Arizona. They eventually moved from their lake home to Applewood Pointe in Bloomington, Minnesota. Most recently, Lois moved to Hayden Grove Assisted Living in Bloomington until her death. Wherever Lois lived, she opened her home and entertained, and created lifelong friendships. She was always ready for a lively game of Skipbo. She also looked for ways to serve others, whether it be gifting one of her famous homemade pies, sharing some “best ever” lefsa, knitting a pair of slippers or a sweater, altering someone’s clothes, teaching a small group bible study, being part of a quilting ministry, or working to sort donated items for an orphanage.
In addition to her musical talent, Lois was an accomplished seamstress. As such, she made the majority of her children’s clothing and did alterations out of her home. Other artistic interests included ceramics, landscape and rosemaling painting, hardanger embroidery, and quilting. Above all, Lois would want to be remembered for her love for Jesus and her Bible, as well as her desire to share His love and knowledge of Him with others.
Preceded in death by her husband, Arlon Kompelien; son, Gregory Kompelien; parents, Carroll and Myrtle Baklund; three sisters, Evelyn Mercedes Sherman, Lucille Paulson, Dorothy Murphey-McLaren; brother, Sherman Baklund; and son-in-law, James Wise. Survived by sons, Dale (Debra) Kompelien, and Ron Kompelien; daughter, Judy (Timothy Yantos) Wise Yantos; daughter-in-law, Hazanne Kompelien; 7 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Hildegard Kompelien; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Philippine-Asian Missions (PAMI) @ pamimission.org/give.
Funeral Service
Thursday, September 10, 2026
11:00AM
Visitation 1 hour prior
Emmaus Free Lutheran Church
8443 2nd Avenue South
Bloomington, MN 55420
Interment
Private
Fort Snelling National Cemetery
7601 34th Avenue
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Family, reading and seeing her beautiful
picture first time since she went HOME has brought me to mourn Aunt Lois’s departure. I’ve been so happy she’s with Jesus that I didn’t know I’d have tears, but I do. I loved her and loved the times we shared. What a beautiful story of her life and legacy. Looking forward to being together on Thursday and being with her for all eternity!
What a dear lady she was. I am so grateful to have known her. Lois’s legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren.
The PAMI U.S. Board gives our condolences. We appreciated all the years that Lois served as our Board secretary, and her support and prayers for the Mission. A PAMI Pastor in the Philippines even named one of his daughters after Lois. We miss her, but are comforted to know she is with her Lord Jesus.
A TRIBUTE OF LOVE, GRATITUDE AND REMEBRANCE TO LOLA LOIS KOMPELIEN
With deep sorrow in our hearts we mourn the passing of our beloved lola( grandmother) in the Lord Lois Kompelien. for many years lola Lois faithfully stood with us as one of our sponsors and supporters for the ministry of Pastor Redgie Bonifacio under PAMI. Her generosity, love , prayers and unwavering support become a great blessing to our family and to the work of the Lord. We thank God for the privilege of knowing Lola Lois, even though we were not able to meet her personally. Through her support and prayers, we experienced God’s provision and faithfulness. Her life touch ours in a special way, and her contribution to the continuation of God’s work will never be forgotten. Today, we extend our deepest and sincerest condolences to her family and loved ones. We give with you and pray that the Lord will give you strength, comfort and peace during this difficult time. We believe that lola Lois is now resting in the presence of the Lord. Her earthly journey has ended but the impact of her life, her kindness, her generosity and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Our daughter, Aira LOIS, together with our other children also shares in this moment of sorrow. Although Aira Lois and Lola Lois never had the opportunity to meet personally, there was a special connection between them through the name LOIS. For many years our Daughter has carried the name Lois with great honor. We are grateful that this name reminds of a woman who dedicated her life to serving and supporting the work of the Lord. We also learned that Lola Lois was blessed with so many wonderful talents and abilities. In many ways this reminds us of our daughter Aira Lois who has consistently excelled in school and has been a top student, she can also play a guitar, keyboard and drums in PAMI CASTILLA CHURCH. Even though we may not have shared moments together in person, we believe that we were United in the Spirit through our common faith, prayers and service to God. To the entire family, please accept our deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers. May our Lord Jesus Christ sorround you with his presence, comfort your hearts strengthen you in your griefs and give you peace. With love and prayers: Pastor Redgie Bonifacio, wife Airen, Aira LOIS, David Chito, Asia Pearl and Novelee Izzy. PAMI CASTILLA, SORSOGON PROVINCE, PHILIPPINES.
I’m so sad for all of you. Hugs to all of you.
Dan and Ilene Carroll
Thank you for sharing that a pastor names his daughter after Mom. Knowing that, means a lot. Mom loved your ministry, and enjoyed all the years she served on the board.