Lois Ann Wilken

Lois Ann Wilken, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, was called to Heaven on June 14th, 2022, surrounded by close family, three days short of her 87th birthday.

Lois is survived by her husband of nearly 69 years, Andy Wilken, her siblings Jan Sonstroem and Harry Hintz, and her children, Wendy (and Bill), Chuck (and Brenda), Glenn (and D’vera), and Leslie (and Ryan), and grandchildren Rick (and Ruth), Kris (and Katie), Josh (and Katie), Luke (and Julie), Zach (and Heather), Arie (and Miranda), Sean, and Royce (and Kaylee), and many wonderful great grandchildren.

Lois was born on June 17th, 1935 in Bristol, Connecticut to Adolph Hintz and Pauline Jabbs. She was the youngest of eleven children and, as a child, loved to tag along with her older siblings. She was very athletic and was proud to be voted “Athlete of the Year” in high school.

She and Andy met at Lake Compounce, while Lois was in high school, and Andy was in the Navy. They were married July 11th, 1953. They moved to New Mexico in 1957 when Andy took a job at Sandia National Labs.

Lois was known to always be smiling, joyous and optimistic. She loved time with her family the most, but chocolate was a close second. She never had a bad day, and every day was cherished; she loved simple things in life such as the passing clouds, greenery of the trees, and every single flower that was lucky enough to be seen by her. Her family learned a lot from her about how to love with all of your heart. She was known to always be telling family how wonderful and special they are, and everyone who knew her was always greeted with a great smile and warm hug.

We will forever cherish the memories of her time with us. She was greatly loved and will be dearly missed.

The interment at the Santa Fe National Cemetery will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Lois, you are special, you are wonderful, and you are in our hearts forever.