Obituaries

Lois V. Pederson, age 92, of Eau Claire, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, following a brief illness, at her home surrounded by family.

Lois was born on August 23, 1933, to Clifford and Amanda (Knudtson) Bushendorf. She was the fifth of nine children and a lifelong resident of Eau Claire, WI.

She is survived by her daughters, Shelly (Mike) Theiste, Lori (Rick) Harris, and Amy Holstein; granddaughters, Tina (Cody) Phernetton, Kayla (Broc) Seigneurie, Shanna (Zach) McLain, and Briana (Cole Kulig) Theiste; great-grandsons, Rhyland, Gunnar, and Robert; sisters, JoAnn Gutch and Shirley Hehl; brother, Donald (Darlene) Bushendorf; sister-in-law, Janet Bushendorf; and many nieces and nephews.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle Pederson; son, Jeffrey Pederson; grandson, Steven Lyle; her parents; sisters, Marion Bedient, Joyce Bushendorf, and Yvonne Champion; and brothers, William and Clifford Jr.

Lois began her working years as a retail associate at Kresge’s before moving on to Fabritech, where she made electronic parts. She later became a school bus driver for Student Transit, retiring there after 37 years of dedicated service.

Family was the center of Lois’s life. She devoted herself fully to those she loved, always putting children first—whether her own, her grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. She never lived without a member of her immediate family in her household and selflessly cared for her husband, Lyle, during his illness. Later, she moved in with her daughter Amy to help care for her granddaughter until the time came when Lois herself needed care.

Lois was always eager to babysit, whether it involved her grandchildren or beloved family pets, as she had a deep love for animals. She enjoyed cooking and baking—especially at Christmas, when no one could out-bake her—along with crocheting, playing cards, camping, fishing, watching westerns, admiring cardinals, and in her younger years, riding roller coasters. Above all, she cherished time spent with family. Lois was a loving, unselfish woman with a contagious laugh who could light up a room simply by walking into it.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at St. Croix Hospice, Mayo Hospital Eau Claire, and Grace River Pines for the compassion, care, and support shown to Lois.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Tim Stein officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Friends and family are encouraged to wear a touch of green, Lois’s favorite color. Burial will be held at a later date at Pleasant Valley Lutheran Cemetery. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com

Family and friends that are unable to attend todays service, may join us virtually by clicking the link below.

https://vimeo.com/event/5748110