Lois M. James

Lois Marie James, 81, of Kewanee, Illinois, passed away on November 20, 2025, at Arcadia Care Nursing Home. Lois was born on October 17, 1944, in Hebron, Nebraska, to Theodore and Eveline (Fintel) Mathiesen. She attended grade school in Hebron, was a graduate of Hebron High, and a member of Grace Lutheran Church. She was fiesty and fun-loving and she cherished her four brothers: Robert, Floyd, Roger, and Larry.

On November 9, 1963, Lois and Stephen James were married in Belleville, Kansas. Early in their marriage the couple lived in San Leandro, California, followed by a return to Hebron, then to Garner, Iowa, and finally settled in Kewanee. They were blessed with two daughters, Michelle and Melissa, and two sons, Michael and Mark.

Outside of caring for her home and family, Lois enjoyed bowling and she worked for many years at Walmart. She spent her retirement with family and friends and, when not watching the Hallmark channel, liked to play games on her computer.

Lois is survived by her children:Michelle (Kurt) Mitthun of Meservey, Iowa; Mark (Darcy) James of Wyoming, Illinois; and Michael James of Kewanee; son-in-law Jim Rottinghaus; grandchildren Nick (Grace) Colvin; Skye Rottinghause; Cassie (Sam) Scriver; Lexie (Albaro) Hartmann; Jordan (Morgan) Hansen; Ashley Holtschult; and by her great-grandchildren; brothers Robert Mathiesen; Floyd Mathiesen; and Roger (Beverly) Mathiesen; sister-in-law Audrey Mathiesen; and by numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Preceding Lois in death were her parents, Theodore and Eveline Mathiesen; husband Stephen James; daughter Melissa Rottinghaus; grandson Jeff Dahle; and brother Larry Mathiesen.

Lois will be fondly remembered by those who knew her. A family celebration of life is being planned for a later date in Nebraska.

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